Friday, June 11, 2010

Enemy Elite Friday: Hermann Niehoff (Germany)


 
"Awarded for the leadership of his Division during March 1944, beginning on 04.03.1944.  In the time period 05-07.03.1944 his Division pulled back from its position on the line Masepinzy—Ignatewka—Lypjatin to the Bug river.  Here they defended near Chmelnik, Kurilowka and Alexandriwka during the time period 08-16.03.1944.  In all this time Niehoff’s energy and drive were crucial for the fighting of the Division."  from his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross citation, awarded on June 15, 1944.
 
"On 16.02.1945 the Soviets began a major offensive against the German line stretching from SE of Langlieben to Eichendorffmühl, with the 371. Infanterie-Division being the only German unit in its path.  In the course of this attack Niehoff and his troops succeeded in warding off all Soviet attacks against the Reichsstraße 118 going north from Ratibor, some of these in close combat. Niehoff was awarded the Oakleaves for this action."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves citation, awarded on March 5, 1945.  

"Awarded for his outstanding defense of Breslau in early 1945.  Marshal Zhukov would say the following about him, “Niehoff was a brave man.  He is one of the few who I genuinely do admire.  In my experience of the war Niehoff has a place of honor.”  from his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords citation, awarded April 26, 1945.

Another deadly enemy elite,
Brian

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