Hans Flügel

Hans Flügel
Born 13 February 1919
Arzberg, Germany
Died 1 March 1989
Naila, Germany
Allegiance  Nazi Germany
Service/branch Waffen-SS
Years of service 1935–1945
Rank Sturmbannführer
Unit 2nd SS Division Das Reich
5th SS Panzer Division Wiking
103rd SS Heavy Tank Battalion [1]
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
Eastern Front Medal 1941/42
Wound Badge in Gold
Panzer Badge in Silver "75"[1]

Hans Flügel (13 February 1919 — 1 March 1989) was a Sturmbannführer (Major) 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.

Contents

Early life

Hans Flügel was born on the 13 February 1919, in Arzberg.[1][2]

After he finished school at the age of 16 he volunteered to join the SS in August 1935.[2]

He was posted to the 1st SS Totenkopf Standarte Oberbayern (Upper Bavaria) and was then transferred to the 12th Company Deutschland.[2]

He missed the Polish Campaign as he had been selected to become an officer and was posted to the SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tölz, when he graduated he was given command in the 4th (MG) Company, SS Deutschland for the Battle of France.[1][2]

World War II

After the Battle of France, Flügel was given command of the 8th Company, SS Deutschland, and later transferred to the Reconnaissance Battalion, of Das Reich.[1][2]

In the spring of 1942 he transferred to the 5th SS Panzer Battalion, SS Division Wiking as commander of the 2nd Company, which was engaged in the offensive at Rostov in the Caucasus.[1][2]

In 1943 he was selected to be the Ordonnanzoffizier (aide-de-camp), to Obergruppenführer (General), Felix Steiner and helped form the 103 SS Heavy Panzer Battalion, where he was in command of the 1st Company.[1][2]

In mid 1944 he returned to the SS Wiking as the Adjutant of the 5th SS Panzer Regiment, until August 1944 when he took over command of the II.Battalion, 5th SS Panzer Regiment.[1][2]

It was while in Command of the II.Battalion that he was awarded the Knight's Cross on the 16 October 1944.[1][2]

Post War

Hans Flügel survived the war and died on the 1 March 1989, in Naila.[1][2]

Commands

Awards

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.
  • Hamilton Charles Leaders and Personalities of the Third Reich, R James Bender Pub 1997, ISBN 0912138270
  • Mitcham, Jr.Samuel, Retreat to the Reich, Stackpole books 2007. ISBN 081173384X
  • Henschler Henri & Fay Will, Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS, 1943-45 Stackpole Books, 2003. ISBN 0811729052
  • Mitcham Samuel, The German Defeat in the East, 1944-45,Stackpole Books, 2007. ISBN 0811733718