Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Generalleutnant (Major-general)

Unit:

Kommandeur 97.Jäger-Division

Awarded on:

November 8th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Generalleutnant (Major-general)

Unit:

Kommandeur 97.Jäger-Division

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1945

Rabe von Pappenheim’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“During the 25-day defensive battle for Upper Silesia (the results of which caused the Führer to give special recognition to the units of the XI. Armee-Korps) Generalleutnant Rabe von Pappenheim distinguished himself through his initiative and bravery. In these weeks of intense combat General von Pappenheim was the soul of resistance for his Division, which was itself frequently involved in the most crucial sectors of combat.

On the 08.03.1945, during an attack north of Ratibor, all the officers of the most important attacking Bataillon fell in battle. In response to this crisis General von Pappenheim personally led the Bataillon forwards at the crucial point of battle, and under his leadership the unit advanced far beyond its original attack objective.

When the enemy achieved a penetration near Maxwaldau on the 28.03.1945 with 60 tanks and strong infantry forces of their own, General von Pappenheim personally directed the construction of a blocking front near Preußisch Krawarn. This was achieved despite the intense fighting and bombardments that were simultaneously taking place. In doing so he averted the imminent danger of a breakthrough, which at the time seemed unpreventable due to the lack of friendly reserves.

During the evening of the 31.03.1945, following 3 days of ceaseless and costly fighting, the enemy sent in strong tank forces to interfere with our troops’ occupation of a new line of battle. Although his exhausted men were thrown into confusion by this act, General von Pappenheim brought back their fighting spirit by his personal presence at the frontline. With his men he captured the important village of Kranstädt after a bitter round of nocturnal urban combat, an outcome which restored the extremely dangerous situation.

On the 03.04.1945 the enemy entered into Rohow with strong armoured forces. Here the fall of the commander of Jäger-Regiment 207(Major Mergner) created the danger that this cornerstone of the frontline would be captured by the enemy. General von Pappenheim immediately took over command of the Regiment on the spot, and the important village was recaptured following a determined counterthrust.

Generalleutnant Rabe von Pappenheim is both a true champion and an inspiring example of dutifulness for his brave Division. He thus has a major share in defeating the enemy onslaught against the important Ostravan industrial area.”

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

January 12th, 1915

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

April 19th, 1917

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

September 6th, 1937

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1937

Awarded on:

January 20th, 1938

Awarded on:

February 19th, 1938

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 17th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 10th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 21st, 1944

In the southern sector of the Eastern Front have the Bavarian 97 Rifle Division under the command of Major General Rabe v. Papenheim and the East Prussian 24 Armoured Division under the leadership of Major General Reichsfreiherr v. Edelsheim particularly excelled.