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Koetz, Karl

Date of birth:
February 8th, 1908 (Berlin-Neukölln/Brandenburg, Germany)
Date of death:
July 11th, 1977 (Meran/South-Tirol, Italy)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Leutnant der Reserve;
November 1st, 1937: Leutnant;
November 1st, 1937: Oberleutnant;
March 1st, 1938: Hauptmann;
January 1st, 1942: Major;
December 1st, 1943: Oberstleutnant;
June 1st, 1944: Oberst;
December 1st, 1944: Generalmajor.

Career:
November 1st, 1925: 9. (Preuß.) Infanterie-Regiment;
November 1st, 1937: Kompaniechef Infanterie-Regiment 109;
November 10th, 1938; Kompaniechef Infanterie-Regiment 105;
January 3rd, 1939: Chef 6. / Infanterie-Regiment 80;
May 1940: Chef 6. / Infanterie-Regiment 463;
May 1st, 1941: Kommandeur II. / Infanterie-Regiment 463;
July 1st, 1943: Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 185;
July 1944: Divisionsführer-Lehrgang;
September 1st, 1944: m.d.F.b. 349. Volksgrenadier-Division;
December 1st, 1944: Kommandeur 349. Volksgrenadier-Division;
April 1st, 1945: Kommandeur 21. Infanterie-Division;
April 16th, 1945 - July 15th, 1945: Illness;
July 15th, 1945 - July 1st, 1947: British POW.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 13th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 1st, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:
Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 463, 263. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1941
On the 17-18.08.1941 the 263. Infanterie-Division was deployed to the Yelnya salient, where they faced desperate Soviet attempts to push back the Germans. In this context Hauptmann Koetz and his Bataillon distinguished themselves near Jakowlewo in the fighting around Hill 256.9, also known as the “Chimborasso”, in the time period 17-28.08.1941. The Bataillon put up a tremendous fight against the overwhelming Soviet attacks, and for this Koetz would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

555th Heer Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 185, 87. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
January 24th, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
On the 13.12.1943 the Soviets began a major attack against the key positions of the 3. Panzerarmee north of Vitebsk. Despite fierce German resistance, the 87. Infanterie-Division became surrounded. It was however able to break out on the 16.12.1944 along with the subordinated Grenadier-Regiment 365 in the area Choljawki/Karewy, Slyndiki. It reached the main battle line of the 20. Panzer-Division near Ambrossenki (2 km northwest of Malaschenki), thus escaping the trap.

This breakout was only able to succeed due to the performance of the Grenadier-Regiment 185, commanded by Oberstleutnant Koetz, and the Sturm-Bataillon Hochgartz. For his role in saving his Division Koetz would be decorated with the Oakleaves.

374th Award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Awarded on:
October 25th, 1944
Mentioning:
"In the battles on the East Prussian border, two "Kampfgruppen" under the leadership of the Oak Leaves bearers Oberst Koetz and Oberst Lauchert have particularly distinguished themselves."
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 1st, 1942
Medaille

Sources

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