Fritz Kraemer
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SS-Brigadeführer Fritz Kraemer (1900 - 1959) was a German Waffen-SS and Heer officer, and a commander of the 12.SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend.
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[edit] Early Life - Pre-War Service
Fritz Kraemer was born in Stettin on December 12, 1900. He joined the Wehrmacht in 1918 and later attended the Berlin War Academy. In 1936 he was appointed the commander of 5.Kompanie/Infanterieregiment 55 and by 1939 was reassigned to the 13. Infanterie Division (mot).
[edit] Early War Campaign
Kraemer distinguished himself during the invasion of Poland and the campaign in the west. He won the Iron Cross second class and the Iron Cross first class on October 6, 1939 and May 26, 1940 respectively. On October 11, 1940 he was promoted to Ia (chief assistant, operations) of the 13. Infantry Division which was the same day reorganized into the 13. Panzer Division.
[edit] War in Russia
During the operations in Russia with the 13. Panzer Division, Kraemer once again proved himself to be an excellent commander and in 1942 was awarded both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross. Although he was a Heer officer, in January 1943, Josef "Sepp" Dietrich selected Fritz Kraemer as the senior administrative officer (Ia) of the I.SS-Panzer Korps with the rank of SS-Oberführer. Soon Dietrich realized that Kraemer was an ideal choice for this position and officially admitted him into the SS on August 1, 1944. He was given the rank of SS-Brigadeführer.
[edit] Dates of rank
- Oberleutnant: October 1, 1934
- Hauptmann: ?
- Major: ?
- Oberstleutnant: April 1, 1942
- Oberst: January 1, 1943
- SS-Oberführer: September 1, 1943
- SS-Brigadeführer: August 1, 1944
[edit] Notable decorations
- German Cross in Gold (1942)
- Eastern Front Medal (1942)
- Iron Cross Second (1939) and First (1940) Classes
- Knight's Cross (1942)
- Oak Leaves (1945)
[edit] Notes
Fritz Kraemer should not be confused with Fritz G. A. Kraemer who, although German, fled the Nazis and fought with the U.S. Army in Europe.
Preceded by SS-Obersturmbannführer Hubert Meyer |
Commander of 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend October 24, 1944-November 13, 1944 |
Succeeded by SS-Brigadeführer Hugo Kraas |