Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 6th, 1940

Had already received the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 24th August 1915.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1940

Had already received the Iron Cross 1st Class on 16th December 1916.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 501 / 290.Infanterie-Division / X.Armee-Korps / 16.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord

Awarded on:

September 13th, 1941

On the 07.08.1941, just after the onset of darkness, Oberst Dr. Mayer led his Regiment in an advance with the aim of taking the bridge over the Polisstj river near Garisha. Fighting up with the foremost Bataillon, he guided his Regiment through the kilometres of thick forest and made it to the bridge. When they arrived the structure was already on fire, but they managed to extinguish the flames and secure it for the advance of further elements of the Division, including artillery. For this bold act he was decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

484th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 16th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Generalleutnant (Major-general)

Unit:

Kommandeur 329.Infanterie-Division / VIII.Armee-Korps / 16.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord

Awarded on:

April 13th, 1944

On the 10.03.1944, during the fighting NW of Newel, the 329. Infanterie-Division came under attack from 5 rifle divisions supported by 2 tank brigades. This Soviet force achieved a deep penetration north of Putoschka. In response Dr. Mayer assembled a force composed of alarm units, construction troops and supply troops and was able to form a line of strongpoints that sealed off the penetration.

After this, using reinforcements that had arrived during the night, he launched a counterattack on his own initiative. After initial successes however the attack began to bog down. In response Mayer moved to lead his men from the front, and under heavy fire he directed the actions of assault teams that managed to get the attack back in motion. The important village of Chudobelkena was recaptured. For his success in dealing with this dangerous hostile penetration Mayer would be decorated with the Oakleaves.

453rd Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Generalleutnant (Major-general)

Unit:

Kommandeur 329.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

August 23rd, 1944

Awarded for his continued leadership of the 329. Infanterie-Division, which was named in the Wehrmachtbericht of 18.07.1944. On the 13.07.1944 the Division found itself positioned along the line south of Ssebesh—Malkowo—Sawarnja train station—Lewnowo—Borki. Over the next four days the Division fended off 37 Soviet attacks. Throughout this time Dr. Mayer was present at the frontline in all critical situations, mastering several crises through his superior leadership until he became badly wounded. He would be recognized for his devotion to duty.

89th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 18th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)