Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Ib., 221. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

October 1st, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Ia, 239. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 9th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Ia., 294. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant im Generalstab (Lieutenant-colonel to the General Staff)

Unit:

Ia, 294. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

July 17th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant im Generalstab (Lieutenant-colonel to the General Staff)

Unit:

Chef des Generalstabes, XXIX. Armeekorps, Heer

Awarded on:

July 15th, 1944

In April 1944, during the fighting NW of Odessa, Soviet forces in the rear of the German fighting units succeeded in separating the divisions of the XXIX. Armee-Korps from the corps headquarters and push the latter towards the south. In this situation the commander of the 3. Gebirgs-Division (Wittmann) formed an ad-hoc headquarters with command over all the units belonging to the XXIX. Armee-Korps, with Oberstleutnant i.G. Mehring (the chief of staff of the XXIX. Armee-Korps) being appointed as his chief of staff.

In the time period 05-10.04.1944 this command led the pocket of German soldiers around Bakalowo in a breakout towards the west in the direction of Kutschurgan. In this time Mehring especially distinguished himself as an advisor and helper to Wittmann, reenergizing attacks that had stalled immediately after being appointed. His efforts played a major part in cutting off the supply road to the Soviet spearheads lying to the SW, which were thereby isolated. This in turn facilitated the breakout of the German divisions from the trap.

For his role in aiding the breakout Mehring would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.