Johannes Göhler

Johannes Göhler

Johannes Göhler
Born 15 September 1918
Bichofswerda Sachsen, Germany
Died 21 February 2003 (2003-02-22) (aged 84)
Bayreuth
Allegiance  Nazi Germany
Service/branch Waffen-SS
Years of service 1938–1945
Rank Sturmbannführer
Unit SS-VT
8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer
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
Close Combat Clasp in Bronze
General Assault Badge in Silver
Wound Badge in Silver
Eastern Front Medal
Anschluss Medal
Sudetenland Medal

Johannes Göhler (15 September 1918 — 21 February 2003) was a Sturmbannführer (Major) in the Waffen-SS during World War II. He 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.

Johannes Göhler was born on 15 September 1918 in Bichofswerda Sachsen. He volunteered to join the SS-VT and took part in the Anschluss of Austria and the occupation of the Sudetenland in 1938. During World War II, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in October 1941, during Operation Barbarossa the invasion of the Soviet Union. The Iron Cross 1st class followed in January 1942.

He was given command of the 4th Squadron, 1st SS Cavalry Regiment, 8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer and was in command when he was awarded the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross in September 1943, when serving on the Eastern Front.

Johannes Göhler survived the war and died on 21 February 2003.[1][2]

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.
  • Mitcham, Jr.Samuel, Retreat to the Reich, Stackpole books 2007. ISBN 081173384X
  • Mitcham Samuel, The German Defeat in the East, 1944-45,Stackpole Books, 2007. ISBN 0811733718