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Götz, Heinrich

Date of birth:
January 1st, 1896 (Hannover/Hannover, Germany)
Date of death:
January 31st, 1960 (Oberaudorf/Bavaria, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

For a wound received during the First World War he also was awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (1914 version).

Promotions:
March 15th, 1915: Gefreiter;
March 28th, 1915: Unteroffizier;
April 15th, 1915: Vizefeldwebel;
May 31st, 1915: Leutnant der Reserve;
June 7th, 1915: Leutnant;
May 31st, 1925: Oberleutnant;
July 1st, 1934: Hauptmann;
October 1st, 1937: Major;
January 1st, 1941: Oberstleutnant;
1 juli 1942: Oberst;
September 20th, 1944: Generalmajor;
April 1st, 1945: Generalleutnant.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 30th, 1939

Had already received the Iron Cross 2nd Class on October 25th, 1915.
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 6th, 1939

Had alredy received the Iron Cross 1st Class on March 19th, 1917.
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Infanterie-Regiment 466, 257. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
May 3rd, 1942
Awarded for his holding of two strongpoints (Haigorodek and Majaki) during the heavy fighting in the time period 18.01.-31.01.1942. While all other nearby German strongpoints along the Donez were given up one by one, and the Soviets approached ever closer to Sslawjansk, Götz and his men were able to successfully defend their assigned sector against these same heavy attacks. Through this it was demonstrated that it was indeed possible to hold strongpoints despite the cold and the enemy superiority. Thanks to Götz’s example the entire local frontline attained a feeling of superiority over the Soviets and a fresh confidence in the correctness of this tactic.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 28th, 1944
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalmajor (Brigadier)
Unit:
Kommandeur, 21. Infanterie-Divison, Heer
Awarded on:
March 5th, 1945
During February 1945, in the fighting for East Prussia, Generalmajor Götz succeeded in eliminating a Soviet penetration with a hastily assembled assault group comprised of forces that had been ruthlessly stripped from other frontline sectors that had not been attacked. In the newly won position he furthermore fended off another 24 Soviet attacks with his Grenadiers. He would be awarded the Oakleaves for his outstanding performance here.

765th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Sources

Photo