Heinz Finke

Updated on Oct 12, 2024

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Service/branch Heer Name Heinz Finke		Years of service 1938–45 1956–72
Born 8 February 1920 Jauer ( 1920-02-08 ) Died 7 December 1996(1996-12-07) (aged 76) Munich Allegiance Nazi Germany (to 1945) West Germany Rank Major (Wehrmacht) Oberst (Bundeswehr) Commands held I./Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 51

Heinz Finke (8 February 1920 – 7 December 1996) was a highly decorated Major in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberst in the Bundeswehr. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He was also awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold one of only 631 awards. Heinz Finke was captured by Soviet troops in March 1945 and was held until 1955. He later joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and served until retirement in 1972.

Awards and decorations

Iron Cross (1939)

2nd Class (9 October 1939)

1st Class (12 October 1941)

Wound Badge

in Black

in Silver

Eastern Front Medal

Infantry Assault Badge

Close Combat Clasp

in Bronze

in Silver (1 October 1943)

in Gold (February 1945)

Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (25 January 1944)

German Cross in Gold (5 September 1943)

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 4 May 1944 as Hauptmann and commander of I. / Grenadier-Regiment 51 (motorisiert)

References

Heinz Finke Wikipedia

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