Köhler, Rudolf (WH-Schtz.Rgt. 73)

Date of birth:: July 9th, 1899 (Neu-Wallwitz/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:: July 7th, 1943 (3km North East of Kreida, Belgorod/Russian SFSR, USSR)
Buried on:: German War Cemetery Kursk - Besedino
Plot: 17. Row: 32. Grave: 1915.
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Schützen-Regiment 73, 19. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: July 18th, 1941

142nd Award.

Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Schützen-Regiment 73, 19. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: July 27th, 1941

The following press article, dated 27.07.1943, recounts the actions that led to Köhler receiving the Knight’s Cross following his death in 1943…

“The honour remains on the field:

On the 07.07.1943 Oberst Rudolf Köhler (born on the 09.07.1899 in Neuwalwitz (Kreis Leipzig)), commander of a Panzergrenadier regiment from Lower Saxony, fell during the German assault in the Belgorod area.

At the start of 1941 Oberst Koehler - at the time a Major and Bataillon commander - was the first in his Korps sector to form a bridgehead over the Düna river, thereafter holding it against strong enemy counterattacks. At the head of his Bataillon, he then broke through the strongly fortified enemy bunker position that was guarded by numerous minefields. During this attack, in which his bravery and cold-bloodedness proved to be essential for victory, he was wounded. For this act he was awarded the Knight’s Cross very shortly afterwards at the end of July 1941.”

Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:: Führer, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 73, 19. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: February 11th, 1943