Hufenbach, Helmut

Date of birth:: February 27th, 1908 (Wilhelmshaven-Rüstersiel/Hannover, Germany)
Date of death:: March 27th, 1945 (Kahlholz/East Prussia, Germany)
Buried on:: German War Cemetery Heiligenbeil / Mamonovo
Nationality:: German

Biography

Helmut Hufenbach was posthumously promoted to Generalmajor. He probably lies buried as an unknown soldier at the German War Cemetery Heiligenbeil/Mamonovo.

Promotions:
October 1st, 1931: Leutnant;
July 1st, 1934: Oberleutnant mit RDA vom 1-10-1933 (69);
February 1st, 1938: Hauptmann (13);
January 1st, 1942: Major (252);
May 1st, 1943: Oberstleutnant (10 e1);
November 1st, 1943: Oberst (33).

Career:
August 26th, 1938: Kp.Chef 10./Inf.Rgt. 24;
October 1st, 1940: Kdr. III./Inf.Rgt. 24;
November 20th, 1940: Kdr. III./Inf.Rgt. 45;
November 4th, 1941: FR.W.Kr. I G.E.B. 45;
April 20th, 1942: Führer-Reserve OKH;
April 25th, 1942: Kdr. I./Inf.Rgt. 668;
September 30th, 1942: G.E.B. 45;
October 25th, 1942: FR. 370. Inf.Div.;
December 14th, 1942: Fhr. Gren.Rgt. 667;
May 1st, 1943: Kdr. Gren.Rgt. 667;
October 25th, 1944: Führer-Reserve OKH;
January 22nd, 1945: mdFb 562. V.G.D.

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: September 21st, 1939

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: October 24th, 1939

Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:: III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 45, 21. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: November 27th, 1941

Wehrmachtbericht

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: October 10th, 1943

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:: Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 667, 370. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: October 30th, 1943

Oberstleutnant Hufenbach participated in the defense of the critical Golubiskaja sector (on the northern wing of the Kuban bridgehead) during a Soviet attack on the night of the 30.09./01.10.1943. His success/failure here would be crucial for deciding whether the bulk of the Korps rearguard would reach the crossing point at Illitsch safely. Hufenbach was able to master this critical situation, taking control of troops not originally subordinated to him on his own initiative (1 reserve Bataillon of the Division as well as Sturmgeschütze and Flak) and dealing a sharp blow to the enemy. For his success during this action he would receive the Knight’s Cross.

Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:: Führer, 562. Volksgrenadier-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: March 28th, 1945

Hufenbach and his 562. Volksgrenadier-Division especially distinguished themselves during the fighting in early 1945 along both sides of the Königsberg—Elbing highway, south of Kobbelbude and in the area north/northwest of Zinten. Hufenbach achieved a particularly noteworthy deed on the 28.02.1945, in the Wesselshöfen-Worwegen area. On this day his Division achieved an outstanding defensive success, repelling 32 Soviet attacks that came in battalion or regimental strength. 30 opposing tanks were destroyed altogether during this defensive battle. Hufenbach would receive the Oakleaves in recognition of the outstanding leadership of his division.

807th Award.