Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1939

Had already received the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 11th September 1914.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 17th, 1940

Had already received the Iron Cross 1st Class on 5th May 1916.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Generalmajor (Brigadier)

Unit:

Kommandeur 268.Infanterie-Division / XII. Armee-Korps / 1.Armee

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1940

The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Straube received the Knight’s Cross…

“Generalmajor Erich Straube distinguished himself through his invaluable contributions towards the breakthrough of the Maginot Line in the area south of Saarbrücken (between Saaralben and Püttlingen). Despite the presence of unexpectedly strong hostile flanking fire from previously unidentified battle positions, the enemy defenses in the attack sectors where overcome thanks to the personal intervention of Generalmajor Straube. His actions under enemy fire restored the lost cohesion of our attacking forces and created the necessary conditions for the final elimination of the enemy bunkers, which in turn resulted in a definitive breakthrough.

During the subsequent pursuit battles he inspired his troops forwards in an incomparable display of offensive tempo. French prisoners are known to have remarked that they had no idea about when their pursuers might have been asleep.

Generalmajor Straube also overcame a critical situation at Lagarde (located on the Rhine-Marne canal). He led the decisive thrust that collapsed the enemy’s defensive line here.”

133rd Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

General der Infanterie

Unit:

Kommandierender General LXXIV. Armeekorps / 5.Panzer-Armee / Heeresgruppe B

Awarded on:

September 30th, 1944

Awarded for his leadership of the LXXIV. Armeekorps during the fighting in Normandy in August 1944.

609th Award.