| Alois Etthöfer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 April 1912 |
| Died | 20 November 1944 (aged 32) |
| Place of birth | Margetshöchheim, Germany |
| Place of death | Hatvan, Hungary |
| Allegiance |
 Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch |
 Waffen SS |
| Years of service | 1939–1944 |
| Rank | Sturmbannführer |
| Unit | 4th SS Polizei Panzergrenadier Division |
| 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 Wound Badge in Black General Assault Badge in Silver Eastern Front Medal 1941/42 Honour Roll Clasp of the Army |
Alois Etthöfer (3 April 1912 — 20 November 1944) was a Sturmbannführer (Major) and Major of Polizei 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.
Alois Etthöfer was born on the 3 April 1912, at Margetshöchheim and was a member of the NSDAP (party number 4 850 217) and the SS (SS number 152 310). He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in September 1941 and the 1st class award in October 1941. The award of the German Cross came while serving with the 3rd Battery, SS Polizei Artillery Regiment in October 1942. He was given command of the 4th SS Sturmgeschütz Battalion in June 1943, followed by command of the 4th SS Polizei Panzer Battalion in November 1944. It was while in command of this unit that he was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross after being killed in action on the 20 November 1944, in Hungary.
He was first recommended for the Knight's Cross in January 1942 but that recommendation was rejected and he was eventually awarded the Knight's Cross posthumously in March 1945.
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.
- Huseman, Friedrich. In Good Faith: The History of 4. SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division: Volume 1, 1939-1943. Winnipeg, Canada: J.J. Fedorowicz, 2003 ISBN 0-921991-74-6
- Mitcham, Jr.Samuel, Retreat to the Reich, Stackpole books 2007. ISBN 0-8117-3384-X
- Henschler Henri & Fay Will, Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS, 1943-45 Stackpole Books, 2003. ISBN 0-8117-2905-2
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The original article can be found at Alois Etthöfer and the edit history here.