| Hans Albin Freiherr von Reitzenstein | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 March 1911 Berlin, Germany |
| Died | 30 November 1943 Russia |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Waffen SS |
| Years of service | 1931–1943 |
| Rank | Obersturmbannführer |
| Unit | Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Wiking Division 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class Eastern Front Medal Panzer Badge Wound Badge [1] |
Hans Albin, Freiherr von Reitzenstein (4 March 1911 — 30 November 1943) was a Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel), 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.[2]
Hans Albin Freiherr von Reitzenstein was born in Berlin on the 4 March 1911.[1]
He joined the Allegemeine-SS in 1931 and transferred to Leibstandarte in 1933. He was transferred to the SS-VT for the Polish Campaign in command of the 1st Company, SS Infantry Regiment Deutschland (2nd SS Division Das Reich). He was wounded during the Polish Campaign and posted to the SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tolz, to recover.[3]
In December 1940 he was posted to the new SS Division that was being formed from the influx of foreign volunteers, particularly from Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway, as the commander of 5th Reconnaissance Battalion, Wiking Division.[3]
In 1942 he was transferred to the Das Reich Division and assumed command of the 2nd SS Reconnaissance Battalion, which was stationed in Russia. He remained in command of the Reconnaissance Battalion until March 1943, when he replaced Herbert Ernst Vahl as the commander of the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment.[3]
He was in command of the Panzer Regiment for the Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel), during which he was awarded the Knight's Cross for the Regiment's actions at Belgorod, the Mius, Kharkov and Kolomak, when they destroyed 839 tanks, 18 assault guns, 334 anti-tank weapons and 32 other guns.[1][3]
Hans Albin Freiherr von Reitzenstein, committed suicide on the 30 November 1943, due to events surrounding the rape and death of a female Russian volunteer (see HiWi for SS volunteer system).[1][3]