Ludwig Heilman ( German: Ludwig Heilmann ; August 9, 1903 - October 26, 1959 ) - German officer, member of the Second World War, Major General, Knight's Cross holder with Oak leaves and Swords.
| Ludwig heilman | |||||
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| Ludwig heilmann | |||||
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| Date of Birth | August 9, 1903 | ||||
| Place of Birth | |||||
| Date of death | October 26, 1959 (56 years old) | ||||
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| Affiliation |  Weimar Republic Third Reich | ||||
| Type of army | infantry, airborne troops | ||||
| Years of service | 1921 - 1945 | ||||
| Rank | major general | ||||
| Commanded | 5th Parachute Division | ||||
| Battles / Wars | The Second World War
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Beginning of military career
In February 1921 he volunteered for military service in the infantry regiment. From 1925 - non-commissioned officer, from 1929 - sergeant major, from 1934 - lieutenant. By the beginning of World War II - the commander of an infantry company, captain.
World War II
Participated in the Polish and French campaigns, was awarded the Iron Crosses of both degrees.
From August 1940 - transferred to the airborne troops, the commander of the battalion of the 3rd Parachute Regiment, Major.
In May 1941, participated in the landing on the island of Crete, was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
From December 1941 - on the Eastern Front. Fighting near Leningrad (as infantry). In March 1942 he was awarded the German Cross in gold. Since April 1942 - Lieutenant Colonel. From November 1942 - Commander of the 3rd Parachute Regiment.
In July 1943, the regiment was redeployed to Sicily, fighting against the landing American-British troops. Since December 1943 - Colonel. For fights in Italy, he was awarded in March 1944 with Oak leaves (No. 412) to the Knight's Cross, in May 1944 - with Swords (No. 67) to the Knight's Cross with Oak leaves.
From November 1944 - Commander of the 5th Parachute Division (on the Western Front). Fighting in the Ardennes. Since December 1944 - Major General.
March 5, 1945 captured in American. Released in August 1947.
Literature
- Berger, Florian. Mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern. Die höchstdekorierten Soldaten des Zweiten Weltkrieges . Selbstverlag Florian Berger, 2000. ISBN 3-9501307-0-5 .