Hugo Eichhorn

Hugo Eichhorn
File:Hugo Eichhorn.jpg
Born	11 February 1911 Weilmünster, Prussia
Died	Münster, Germany
Allegiance	Nazi Germany
Service/branch	Waffen-SS
Years of service	1937–1945
Rank	Obersturmbannführer
Unit	SS Division Totenkopf 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking
Battles/wars	World War II
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class Wound Badge Eastern Front Medal 1941/42

Hugo Eichhorn (11 February 1911 — 27 May 1992) was an Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Early life

Hugo Eichorn was born on 11 February 1911 in Weilmünster. He joined the NSDAP (party number 590.774) and the SS-VT in 1937.

World War II

By the start of World War II he was in the 3rd SS Pionier Battalion, SS Division Totenkopf and participated in the Polish Campaign.

In the spring of 1940, he was selected to become an officer and posted to the SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tölz. He was also involved in the formation of the 5th SS Pionier Battalion for the newly formed SS Division Wiking.

After graduation in December 1940, he was promoted to Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) and given a platoon of the SS Wiking to command. He was promoted to Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant) and Hauptsturmführer (Captain) in 1942. During this time he held the position of Battalion Adjutant platoon and company commander.

He was awarded the Knight's Cross in January 1943, while in command of a portion of the Pionier Battalion he held off an attack by a Soviet Regiment.

In February 1943 he was also given the command of the 5th SS Pionier Battalion which he commanded until September 1943, when he was severely wounded.

After recovering from his wounds in February 1944, he took command of the SS Pionier Training and Reserve Battalion which was stationed in Dresden, he was also promoted to Sturmbannführer (Major) in April 1944.

He was promoted to Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in September 1944 and remained in command of the SS Pionier Training and Reserve Battalion until the end of the war.

Post war

Eichhorn survived the war and entered into industry, he died in Gedern on the 27 May 1992.