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Schmidt, August (Generalleutnant)

Date of birth:
November 3rd, 1892 (Fürth/Bavaria, Germany)
Date of death:
January 17th, 1972 (Munich/Bavaria, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
31.07.1911: Fahnenjunker
07.03.1912: Fähnrich
25.10.1913: Leutnant
17.01.1917: Oberleutnant
25.01.1923: Hauptmann
01.11.1933: Major
01.12.1935: Oberstleutnant
01.04.1938: Oberst
01.10.1941: Generalmajor
01.01.1943: Generalleutnant

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
September 14th, 1914
Eisernes Kreuz 2.Klasse (1914)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
October 14th, 1916
Eisernes Kreuz 1.Klasse (1914)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
with swords and crown
IV. Klasse des Militärverdienstordens
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
1918
Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (1918)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
July 1st, 1934
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Awarded on:
1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Awarded on:
1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  3.Klasse, 12 Jahre
Awarded on:
1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  2. Klasse, 18 Jahre
Awarded on:
1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  1.Klasse, 25 Jahre
Awarded on:
1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit Spange
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 17th, 1939

Had already received the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 14th September 1914.
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 1st, 1939

Had already received the Iron Cross 1st Class on 14th October 1916.
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Infanterie-Regiment 20, 10. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:
October 27th, 1939
One of a handful of Heer soldiers to be awarded the Knight’s Cross for actions in the Polish campaign. For Schmidt they are summarized as follows…

1) For the battle near Sieradz, and the breakthrough of a Polish bunker line east of the Warthe by his troops (03-04.09.1939).

2) For the battle at Bielawy and Przymus, where his men prevented an attempted Polish break-in aimed at the open left flank of the Army (10-11.09.1939).

3) His independent decision to attack and seize Hill 117, near Kwjatek (14.09.1939).

4) The capture of Fort Mokotowski (Warsaw) by his troops (25.09.1939).

11th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 22nd, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalleutnant (Major-general)
Unit:
Kdr, 10. Panzergrenadier-Division
Awarded on:
January 18th, 1944
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalleutnant (Major-general)
Unit:
Kommandeur, 10. Panzergrenadier-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
January 23rd, 1944
Awarded for his division’s performance in the defensive battle at Kirovograd. Schmidt and his troops particularly distinguished themselves by spearheading the breakout from the Lelekowka pocket on the night of 09-10.01.1944 with surprisingly minimal losses.

371st Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Sources

Photo