TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Paul, Hugo

Date of birth:
February 1st, 1913 (Villingen, Germany)
Date of death:
March 12th, 1993 (Worms, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann (Flight Lieutenant)
Unit:
Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon Paul
Awarded on:
November 18th, 1944
Awarded for the successful leadership of his Battalion on the 12.10.1944 during the fighting along both sides of Overloon, located in the Venlo bridgehead. Following a long artillery barrage the Allies attacked with about 40 tanks in order to capture this important road junction. In the first assault the Allied might proved to be too much and Paul’s battalion was pushed out of its positions.

On his own initiative, Paul led a counterattack at the head of his staff and manage to eject the Allies from the eastern edge of Overloon. Consequently he was able to block the road to Venraij long enough for the German defense line to be rebuilt during the following night. By doing this an Allied breakthrough in the direction of Venlo was prevented.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Awarded on:
July 20th, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
January 14th, 1941
Fallschirmschützenabzeichen der Luftwaffe
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 12th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 24th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
March 18th, 1942
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
March 18th, 1943
Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
May 20th, 1943
Ärmelband Kreta
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 30th, 1943
Ärmelband Afrika

Sources

Photo