Years of service 1934–45
1956–72 Service/branch German Army, Bundeswehr | Name Josef Rettemeier | |
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Allegiance Nazi Germany
West Germany Rank Oberst (Wehrmacht)
Oberst (Bundeswehr) Battles/wars World War II
Battle of France
North African Campaign
Battle of Gazala
Battle of Smolensk (1943) Other work Military advisor in Taiwan Died December 19, 1997, Bad Nauheim, Germany Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Commands held German heavy tank battalion Battles and wars Battle of France, North African Campaign, Battle of Gazala, Battle of Smolensk, World War II | ||
Josef-Wilhelm Rettemeier (17 September 1914 – 19 December 1997) was a highly decorated Oberst 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 with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
Rettemeier was commissioned as a Leutnant in 1936, and was assigned to the Panzertruppe. After the outbreak of WWII, he saw combat in France, North Africa and the Eastern Front, assuming command of a company and battalion-sized formations. He was also in charge of a training unit for Panther tank drivers and officer candidates in the fall of 1944.
Rettemeier worked in the steel industry before joining the Bundeswehr in 1956, leading panzer regiments and brigades, then served as X.O. in panzer and jager divisions. After his retirement in 1972, Rettemeier traveled to Taiwan as the member of "Ming-teh-Gruppe", a German military advisory group. During his assignment in Taiwan, Rettemeier aided the creation and training for armored troops of the Republic of China Army. He died in Bad Nauheim in 1997.