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Diefenthal, Josef "Jupp" (Waffen SS)

    Date of birth:
    October 5th, 1915 (Euskirchen/Rhineprovince, Germany)
    Date of death:
    April 13th, 2001 (Düren/Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany)
    Service number:
    SS-Nr.: 283.050 // NSDAP-Nr.:
    Nationality:
    German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

    Biography

    Promotions:
    09.11.1939: SS-Unterscharführer
    20.04.1940: SS-Oberscharführer
    01.09.1940: SS-Untersturmführer
    00.06.1941: SS-Obersturmführer
    20.04.1943: SS-Hauptsturmführer
    30.01.1945: SS-Sturmbannführer

    Career:
    15.10.1935: Leibstandarte SS "Adolf Hitler"
    00.12.1940: SS-Ustuf, Zugführer, 6. Kompanie, LSSAH
    00.06.1941: SS-Ostuf, Adjutant, IIa, II. Bataillon, LSSAH
    00.02.1943: SS-Ostuf, IIa, Stab, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2, LSSAH
    08.11.1943: SS-Ostuf, 1. Kompanie, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2, LSSAH,
    08.11.1943: WIA
    00.06.1944: SS-Hstuf, Adjutant, IIa, 1. SS-Panzer-Division "Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler"
    00.07.1944-07.08.1944: SS-Hstuf, III. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2, 1. SS-Panzer-Division "LSSAH"
    07.08.1944: WIA with hearing damages
    28.03.1945: Chef, III.(gepanzerte) Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2, 1. SS-Panzer-Division "Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler"
    28.03.1945: severely WIA in a counter attack west bank of Raab - lost his lower left leg

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    Bronzes SA-Sportabzeichen
    DRL Sportabzeichen in Bronze
    Julleuchter der SS
    Nr. 169.132
    SS-Zivilabzeichen
    Awarded on:
    1939
    Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
    Awarded on:
    1939
    Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit Spange
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    SS- Rottenführer (Corporal)
    Awarded on:
    September 24th, 1939
    Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    1940
    Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    SS-Oberscharführer (Staff Sergeant)
    Awarded on:
    June 8th, 1940
    Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    SS-Oberscharführer (Staff Sergeant)
    Awarded on:
    October 3rd, 1940
    Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Bronze
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    1942
    Medaille
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    1942
    Cross to the Order for Bravery 4th Class
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
    Unit:
    Adjutant, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2, LSSAH
    Awarded on:
    1943
    Nahkampfspange in Bronze
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    September 1st, 1943
    Nahkampfspange in Silber
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
    Unit:
    Führer, III. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2, "LSSAH"
    Awarded on:
    August 7th, 1944
    WIA 00.05.1940 + 08.11.1943 + 07.08.1944
    Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
    Unit:
    Chef, III.(gepanzerte) Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 "Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler", 1. SS-Panzer-Division
    Awarded on:
    February 5th, 1945
    Diefenthal’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

    “SS-Hauptsturmführer Diefenthal has outstandingly distinguished himself in all previous campaigns. In all situations he was the model and champion of his Bataillon through his energy, liveliness and astonishing resilience.

    Diefenthal had a major role to play in the successes of the armoured group during its thrust to the Ambleve river in the time period 16.-24.12.1944.

    On the 18.12.1944, as the armoured group was located before Stoumont, a forward advance by our forces no longer seemed to be possible. The American blocking formations fought bitterly to cover their withdrawal from Malmedy, and were aided by the extremely difficult terrain. In this context the enemy launched a counterattack against elements of the armoured group that were located on the road, however they were repulsed. After this Diefenthal immediately took charge of the situation and at once decided to pursue the fleeing enemy with his Bataillon. Fighting at their head, he and his men penetrated into the hotly contested village. They utilized the existing panic to thrust through to the bridge, prevent its destruction and hold onto it despite the heavy losses incurred until help from the rear arrived.

    By this decisive feat of arms Diefenthal laid the groundwork for the continued advance.

    His bravery, personality and leadership have been a solid example for the entire Kampfgruppe.

    In light of his singular performance I ask that Diefenthal be awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”
    Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    March 28th, 1945
    Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold

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