Alois Etthöfer

Alois Etthöfer
Born 3 April 1912
Margetshöchheim, Germany
Died 20 November 1944
Hutvan, Hungary
Allegiance Nazi Germany
Service/branch Waffen SS
Years of service 1939–1944
Rank Sturmbannführer
Unit 4th SS Polizei Panzergrenadier Division
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
German Cross in Gold
Iron Cross 1st Class
Iron Cross 2nd Class
Wound Badge in Black
General Assault Badge in Silver
Eastern Front Medal 1941/42
Honour Roll Clasp of the Army

Alois Etthöfer (3 April 1912 — 20 November 1944) was a Sturmbannführer (Major) and Major of Polizei in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Alois Etthöfer was born on the 3 April 1912, at Margetshöchheim and was a member of the NSDAP (party number 4 850 217) and the SS (SS number 152 310). He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in September 1941 and the 1st class award in October 1941. The award of the German Cross came while serving with the 3rd Battery, SS Polizei Artillery Regiment in October 1942. He was given command of the 4th SS Sturmgeschütz Battalion in June 1943, followed by command of the 4th SS Polizei Panzer Battalion in November 1944. It was while in command of this unit that he was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross after being killed in action on the 20 November 1944, in Hungary.

He was first recommended for the Knight's Cross in January 1942 but that recommendation was rejected and he was eventually awarded the Knight's Cross posthumously in March 1945.[1][2][3]

References

Further reading

  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas, 2000. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
  • Huseman, Friedrich. In Good Faith: The History of 4. SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division: Volume 1, 1939-1943. Winnipeg, Canada: J.J. Fedorowicz, 2003 ISBN 0-921991-74-6
  • Mitcham, Jr.Samuel, Retreat to the Reich, Stackpole books 2007. ISBN 0-8117-3384-X
  • Henschler Henri & Fay Will, Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS, 1943-45 Stackpole Books, 2003. ISBN 0-8117-2905-2