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Kammhuber, Josef

Date of birth:
August 19th, 1896 (Burgkirchen/Bavaria, Germany)
Date of death:
January 25th, 1986 (Munich/Bavaria, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

Josef Kammhuber was a German Luftwaffe officer during World War II, best known for creating the Kammhuber Line, a sophisticated air defense system designed to counter RAF night bombing raids. Born in 1896, he served in the German military from World War I through World War II. His air defense strategy involved a network of radar stations and fighter aircraft, making it one of the most advanced systems of its time.

After the war, Kammhuber continued his military career in West Germany, helping to rebuild the Bundeswehr's air force. He retired in 1962 and passed away in 1986

Promotions:
- Kriegsfreiwilliger
- 21 May 1915 – Gefreiter
- 5 September 1915 – Fahnenjunker-Unteroffizier
- 26 October 1916 – Fähnrich
- 10 September 1917 – Leutnant
- 1 April 1925 – Oberleutnant
- 1 February 1931 – Hauptmann
- 1 October 1934 – Major
- 1 October 1936 – Oberstleutnant
- 1 January 1939 – Oberst
- 1 October 1940 – 17 October 1940 – Generalmajor
- 1 October 1941 – Generalleutnant
- 1 January 1943 – General der Flieger
- 6 June 1956 – Generalleutnant
- 9 May 1961 – General

Military career:
June 1st, 1957 - September 30th, 1962: Inspekteur, Führungsstab der Luftwaffe (Bundeswehr).

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 10th, 1941
Night fighter units under the leadership of Major General Kammhuber, as well as anti-aircraft and naval artillery, shot down 16 aircraft last night, and seven the night before.
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalmajor (Air Commodore)
Unit:
Kommandeur 1.Nachtjagd-Division
Awarded on:
July 9th, 1941
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
March 27th, 1942
A night fighter unit under the leadership of Lieutenant General Kammhuber achieved last night their 500th aerial victory.
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
May 31st, 1942
A night fighter unit under the leadership of Lieutenant General Kammhuber achieved hereby their 600th aerial victory at night, Captain Streib achieved his 25th and 26th and First Lieutenant Knacke his 20th nocturnal aerial victory.
Wehrmachtbericht
Awarded on:
March 10th, 1958
Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana
Awarded on:
August 2nd, 1961
Legion of Merit - Commander (LoM - C)
Awarded on:
August 21st, 1962
Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Schulterband des Verdienstordens der BRD

Sources