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Albert, Wilhelm (Panzerjäger-Abteilung 35)

Date of birth:
April 24th, 1917 (Greiz/Thuringia, Germany)
Date of death:
December 15th, 2004 (Kassel/Hesse, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
1937: recruit
1939: Unteroffizier
1940: Leutnant der Reserve
1942: Oberleutnant der Reserve
1944: Hauptmann der Reserve

Wilhelm Albert did his military service from 1937 to 1939 in 14th (Panzerjäger) / IR (mot.) 86. He began the war as a non-commissioned officer in the 10th PD, Albert was deployed in Poland and later against France. In 1941 he moves with the 5th / IR (mot.) 86 against the Soviet Union and takes part in the battles there around Minsk, Berezina, Smolensk and Vyazma. He is wounded twice during these fights.
Later, he switched to Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 1035, with which he experienced the defensive battles in the Bromberg area and Graudenz. There he struck back the enemy who had already broken through with 5 assault guns, whereby the 30 attacking tanks were shot down 7 and 7 were left unable to move.
For that he received as Company commander in the Panzerjäger division 35 on February 14, 1945 the Knight's Cross. Shortly before the award of the Knight 's Cross, Albert was severely wounded again, this time on both legs, causing him to suffer had to be amputated. He received the award in the hospital and because of his wounding
he was only released from the hospital on March 14, 1946. After the war he joined the Bundeswehr and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 1035
Awarded on:
July 27th, 1944
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
Unit:
Kompanie-chef Panzerjäger-Abteilung 35 / 35.Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:
February 14th, 1945
Awarded for his actions during the defensive combat around Bromberg and Graudenz in early 1945. Here he and his 5 Sturmgeschützen managed to eject a Soviet contingent that had penetrated the German lines. In the process he and his men destroyed 7 tanks and immobilized another 7 out of a total force of 30 attacking tanks.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 14th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
WIA 07.02.1945
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1942
Medaille

Sources

Photo