German Forces

SS-Brigadeführer HEINZ HARMEL

Zschäckel, Friedrich - Bundesarchiv ~~~

SS-Brigadeführer (Major General) HEINZ HARMEL (*June 29, 1906 in Metz/Lorraine; +September 2, 2000 in Krefeld/Rhineland). As Commander of 10th SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg" he led his division in Normandy, Arnhem and in the Ardennes. Harmel, awarded with the Knight's Cross with oakleavess and swords, made it within 9 years of service from NCO to Major General. Further decorations: Close Combat Clasp in silver, Tank Destruction Badge, German Cross in Gold, Infantry Assault Badge, Eastern Front Medal, Wounded Badge in black. In summer of 1984 Heinz Harmel was awarded a campaign medal of the French town of Bayeux/Normandy as a sign of the French-German conciliation. This caused quite a commotion back then in both politics and press. The assistant mayor of Bayeux: "In the Frundsberg Tank Division served regular soldiers, no torturers." (Bundesarchiv Bild 183-2005-0404-500)