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Beukemann, Lothar

Date of birth:
January 19th, 1918 (Harburg an der Elbe/Hannover, Germany)
Date of death:
September 3rd, 1947 (Hamburg/Hamburg, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Lothar Beukemann committed suicide on September 3rd, 1947.

Awards:
August 10th, 1941: Stern von Rumänien mit Schwertern am Band V. Klasse.

Promotions:
June 1st, 1937: Gefreiter;
September 1st, 1937: Unteroffizier;
March 26th, 1938: Fähnrich;
June 30th, 1938: Oberfähnrich;
August 31st, 1938: Leutnant mit Wirkung v. 1-9-1938 (RDA vorbehalten);
December 31st, 1938: Leutnant mit RDA vom 1-1-1939 (1030);
May 23rd, 1940: Leutnant (erhält neues RDA 1-9-1938 (1030));
August 17th, 1940: Oberleutnant mit RDA vom 1-9-1940 (396);
February 15th, 1942: Hauptmann mit RDA vom 1-12-1942 (197);
November 1st, 1944: Major mit RDA vom 1-10-1944 (56 e).

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur, Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 79, 4. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
January 25th, 1945
Awarded for distinguishing himself during the Third Battle of Courland.

During this time the Soviets attacked the positions of his Bataillon following a heavy artillery barrage and managed to achieve a penetration. Major Beukemann stormed forwards with his Pioniere and managed to retake the frontline. However the Soviets continued to attack, breaking into the positions once again. But they were once again ejected from here by Major Beukemann and his men.

After this the Red Army attacked along the entire divisional front with strong support from both artillery and aircraft. The front was overrun. In this predicament Major Beukemann gathered up his last reserves, namely 4 Pioniere of his Bataillon staff, and launched a counterthrust with 2 SPWs. They drove into the middle of the attacking Soviets, throwing hand grenades and firing MGs and Panzerfausts as they did so. Major Beukemann and his men recaptured a German artillery Batterie, and the Soviet forces in this area were compelled to flee by their fearless and aggressive attack. Beukemann and his troops followed them, crossing a river and reaching the old German position. They recaptured this and held it against all hostile attacks without contact with friendly forces. Beukemann would be recognized appropriately for this singular feat.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Schreiben OKH / PA P5 1. Staffel v. 29-11-1944.
Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 16th, 1943
Nahkampfspange in Bronze
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
February 15th, 1943
Krimschild
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 27th, 1942
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 17th, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 21st, 1942
(Allgemeines) Sturmabzeichen
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 4th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 16th, 1941
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 27th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 9th, 1940
Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2.Klasse mit Schwertern

Sources

Photo