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Weller, Franz

Date of birth:
December 5th, 1901 (Berlin/Brandenburg, Germany)
Date of death:
August 14th, 1994 (Cologne-Lindenthal/Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Franz Weller finally reached the rank of Oberst. After the Second World War he served with the Bundeswehr from 1956 until 1962 and there also reached the rank of Oberst.

Promotions:
December 1st, 1943: Oberst (RDA: -24b-).

Career:
September 1st, 1939: Kompaniechef, Infanterie-Regiment 54;
May 22nd, 1940: Bataillonsführer, Reserve Stab, Infanterie-Regiment 54;
July 1st, 1940: Lehrgruppen Leiter, OA Lehrgang Neuhammer;
September 1st, 1940: Hauptmann bei Stab, Infanterie-Regiment 213;
October 1st, 1940:Kommandeur, Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 354;
October 26th, 1940: Hauptmann bei Stab, Infanterie-Regiment 54;
December 14th, 1940: Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 54;
July 15th, 1941: Führer, Infanterie-Regiment 54;
August 15th, 1941: Vorausabteilung 100;
February 12th, 1942: Führerreserve OKH;
May 18th, 1942: Lehrgruppe Kommandeurschule V OA der Infanterie;
April 9th, 1943: Führerreserve OKH;
April 20th, 1943: Kommandeur, Jäger-Regiment 54;
November 10th, 1944: Führerreserve OKH.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Führer, Infanterie-Regiment 54, 100. leichte Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
September 4th, 1941
Awarded for his Regiment's success in the attack at Pokutynco on the 15.07.1941, where his leadership was crucial to the German victory. In doing so he and his men played a vital role in the 17. Armee's breakthrough at the Stalin line, following which rapid advances were achieved.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Jäger-Regiment 54, 100. Jäger-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
October 23rd, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Awarded for the successful leadership of his regiment during the summer of 1944 in the following actions...

1) Forcing a crossing over the Dniester at Ruda and forming a bridgehead. The fact that Weller was able to command his soldiers at this time despite a broken rib was a major inspiration for his men.

2) His Regiment's defensive victory on the 16.08.1944. While they were positioned north of the main ridge of the Carpathians, the Soviets penetrated the defense of the III./Jäger-Regiment 54 and captured Hill 1233. The first German counterattack to retake the position ended in failure. Oberst Weller then personally led his troops in for another counterattack, and was severely wounded by grenade fragments in the process. Nevertheless the assault went on and the Germans succeeded in retaking the hill.

626th Award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
January 16th, 1942
Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 27th, 1942
Medaille

Sources

Photo