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{{Infobox military person
__NOTOC__{{Infobox military person
|name=Walter Gorn
|name=Walter Gorn
|birth_date={{birth date|1898|9|24|df=y}}
|birth_date={{birth date|1898|9|24|df=y}}
|death_date={{death date and age|1968|7|10|1898|9|24|df=y}}
|death_date={{death date and age|1968|7|10|1898|9|24|df=y}}
|birth_place= [[Bieganin]], [[Province of Posen|Posen]], [[Kingdom of Prussia]]
|birth_place= [[Bieganin]], [[Province of Posen|Posen]], [[Kingdom of Prussia]], [[German Empire]]
|death_place=[[Rosenheim]], [[Germany]]
|death_place=[[Rosenheim]], [[West Germany]]
|image=GornWalter.jpg
|image=GornWalter.jpg
|image_size=160px
|caption=
|caption= Gorn as Colonel
|nickname=
|nickname=
|allegiance={{flag|German Empire}} (to 1918)<br>{{flag|Weimar Republic}} (to 1920)<br>{{flag|Nazi Germany}}
|allegiance={{flag|German Empire}} <br/>{{flag|Weimar Republic}} <br/>{{flag|Nazi Germany}}
|branch=[[German Army (Wehrmacht)|Heer]]
|branch=[[German Army (Wehrmacht)|Army]]
|serviceyears=1915–20<br>1935–45
|serviceyears=1916–1945
|rank=Generalmajor
|rank= [[File:WMacht H OF6 GenMaj h 1935-1945.svg|40px]] [[Generalmajor]]
|commands=I./Schützen-Regiment 10<br>Krad-Schützen-Bataillon 59<br>Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 10<br>[[561st Grenadier Division (Wehrmacht)|561. Volksgrenadier-Division]]<br>[[710th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|710. Infanterie-Division]]
|commands=[[561st Grenadier Division (Wehrmacht)|561st Grenadier Division]]<br/>[[710th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|710th Infantry Division]]
|unit=
|unit=
|battles=[[World War I]]
|battles=[[World War I]]<br/>[[World War II]]
*[[Invasion of Poland]]
----
*[[Battle of the Netherlands]]
[[World War II]]
*[[Battle of France]]
|awards=[[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]]
*[[Invasion of Yugoslavia]]
|laterwork=Police officer}}
*[[Operation Barbarossa]]
*[[Battle of Voronezh (1942)|Battle of Voronezh]]
*[[Battles of Rzhev]]
*[[Operation Bagration]]
*[[East Prussian offensive]]
*[[Battle of Königsberg]]
|awards=[[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]]<br/>[[German Cross]] in Gold
|laterwork=}}


'''Walter Gorn''' (24 September 1898 – 10 July 1968) was a [[Germany|German]] [[general]], serving during [[World War II]]. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords ({{lang-de|Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern}}). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves and Swords was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. At the Enns River, Austria, Gorn surrendered to Major General [[Stanley Eric Reinhart]]'s 261st Infantry Regiment.
'''Walter Gorn''' (24 September 1898 – 10 July 1968) was a highly decorated ''[[Generalmajor]]'' in the [[Wehrmacht]] of [[Nazi Germany]] during [[World War II]] who commanded several divisions. He was a recipient of the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]].<ref name="tracesofwar">{{cite web | url = https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/5254/Gorn-Walter.htm | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Traces of War | title = Gorn, Walter - TracesofWar.com | publisher = Traces of War Websites}}</ref>


A veteran of both world wars, Gorn began his career as [[Private (rank)|Private]] with Grenadier Regiment on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]] in 1916, but was forced to leave the Army following the War. He then served as an [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]] for fifteen years with the Police units, before joined the newly established [[Wehrmacht]] in 1935. During the [[World War II]], Gorn rose through the ranks and commanded battalion and regiment on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]] for three years, before he was selected for [[General officer|General's rank]].<ref name="Lexikon">{{cite web | url = https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/G/GornW-R.htm | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Lexikon der Wehrmacht | title = Gorn, Walter | publisher = Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites}}</ref><ref name="geocities">{{cite web | url = http://www.geocities.ws/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/HEER/Generalmajor/GORN_WALTER.html | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Geocities| title = Gorn, Walter | publisher = Geocities Websites}}</ref>
==Awards==

* [[Iron Cross]] (1914)
==Early years==

Gorn was born on September 24, 1898, in the village of [[Bieganin]], a part of the town of [[Pleszew]] near [[Poznań|Posen]] as the son of farmer Ferdinand Gorn and his wife Anna. During the [[World War I]], he enlisted the [[German Army (German Empire)|German Army]] and was assigned as ''Kriegsfreiwilliger'' (roughly equivalent to Private) to West Prussian Grenadier-Regiment „König Wilhelm I.“ Nr. 7 operating with [[9th Division (German Empire)|9th Division]] on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]]. Gorn saw combat on [[Battle of Verdun|Verdun]] and [[Aisne (river)|Aisne]], before he was transferred to replacement machine gun company of [[V Corps (German Empire)|V Corps]] in July 1917.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

After a brief period with that unit, Gorn was transferred to 1st Heavy Machine Gun company of 36th [[Landwehr]]-Assault-Infantry Regiment stationed in his native [[Poznań|Posen]]. He remained in that capacity for the rest of the war and participated mostly in the training of replacement units. For his service during the War, Gorn was decorated with Prussian [[Iron Cross]] 2nd Class.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

Following the [[Armistice of 11 November 1918|Armistice]], his unit was disbanded and Gorn joined the [[Freikorps]], paramilitary units consisted of disgruntled and demobilized soldiers. He was assigned to the 2nd Company of 18th Volunteer-Regiment and took part in the combats against [[Red Army]] in [[Lithuania]] and [[Courland]]. Gorn was promoted to ''[[Gefreiter]]'' (Lance Corporal) in April 1919 and returned to [[Germany]] in July that year. He was promoted ''[[Unteroffizier]]'' (Corporal) on September 7 that year and discharged from the Army by the end of the month.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>
[[File:Offizierskorps-Kradschützen-Bataillon3-1935.png|thumb|left|Gorn (middle row, 1st from left) with the officers of 3rd Motorcycle-Rifle-Battalion in July 1935.]]
In June 1920, Gorn joined the [[Schutzpolizei (Nazi Germany)|''Schutzpolizei'']] (Protection Police) as ''[[Unterwachtmeister]]'' (equivalent of Sergeant) and was stationed in [[Breslau]] for next seven years, reaching the rank of ''[[Oberwachtmeister]]'' (staff sergeant) in April 1923. While in this capacity, he completed several physical trainings and was selected for Police-Officer-Aspirant Course at the higher police school in [[Eiche (Potsdam)|Eiche]] near [[Potsdam]] in September 1925.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

Upon completing the course one year later, Gorn rejoined his unit in [[Breslau]] and was commissioned ''[[Leutnant]]'' (second lieutenant) on April 29, 1927. He subsequently served as Platoon leader until November 1928, when he was transferred to the staff of Police Inspection East as Adjutant. Gorn was promoted to ''[[Oberleutnant]]'' (first lieutenant) in March 1929 and ordered to the Police School for training as District leader. He completed the training in December 1930 and entered the training course as Traffic-Officer and Motor Vehicle Driver with the Police Inspection for Technology and Traffic in Breslau.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

Gorn completed all his instructions in April 1931 and served as Traffic-Officer in Breslau for three years, before assumed duty as Motor-Transport-Officer with the Police Department in [[Iserlohn]], [[Westphalia]] in October 1934. He was promoted to ''[[Hauptmann]]'' (Captain) one month later and returned to [[Breslau]] in April 1935 as leader of the Motorcycle-Guards-Unit.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

==World War II==

Following the [[Adolf Hitler's rise to power]] and creation of [[Wehrmacht]] in mid-1935, Gorn's unit was incorporated into the Army and he assumed command of 5th Company of the 3rd Motorcycle-Rifle-Battalion under Obertsleutnant [[Günther von Manteuffel]] in [[Bad Freienwalde]]. His battalion became a part of the [[3rd Panzer Division (Wehrmacht)|3rd Panzer Division]] and Gorn became more involved in [[Armoured warfare]]. He participated in the [[German occupation of Czechoslovakia|occupation of Sudetenland]] in October 1938 and [[German occupation of Czechoslovakia]] in March 1939.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

In July 1939, Gorn was transferred to the headquarters of newly created [[XIX Army Corps|XIX. Army Motorised Corps]] under famous General [[Heinz Guderian]] and served as Commandant of the Staff-Quarters during the [[Invasion of Poland]], receiving [[Clasp to the Iron Cross|Clasp to the Iron Cross 2nd Class]]. He was promoted to ''[[Major (rank)|Major]]'' in March 1940 and assumed command of 10th Rifle Replacement Battalion in [[Sankt Pölten]], [[Lower Austria]].<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

During the in [[Battle of the Netherlands]] in May 1940, his battalion was attached to [[9th Panzer Division]] and Gorn later participated in the [[Battle of France]]. He was appointed commander of 1st Battalion, 10th Rifle Regiment in October 1940 and took part in the [[Invasion of Yugoslavia]] in early April 1941. Gorn distinguished himself on April 8 and received [[Iron Cross]] 1st Class for bravery. Only two weeks later, Gorn led his battalion during the advance on the town of [[Debar]] in [[North Macedonia]]. His orders were to establish contact with Italian troops in the city of [[Gostivar]] and his mixed unit overran a strong hostile resistance line and crushed seven enemy batteries. Another nine enemy batteries, twelve anti-tank guns and numerous additional war materiel was captured. His attack also liberated 800 Italian prisoners, which were armed and taken under command. For his leadership during the battle, Gorn was decorated with the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] on April 20, 1941.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="tracesofwar"/><ref name="geocities"/>

Gorn led his battalion during the [[Operation Barbarossa|German invasion of the Soviet Union]] in July 1941 and took part in combats at [[Battle of Uman|Uman]] and [[Battle of Kiev (1941)|Kiev]], [[Ukraine]]. He was promoted to ''[[Oberstleutnant]]'' (lieutenant colonel) in February 1942 and assumed command of 59th Motorcycle-Rifle-Battalion, operating also with 9th Panzer Division, one month later. For his previous service during the combats in [[Kursk Oblast]] and east Ukraine, Gorn received [[German Cross]] in Gold.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="tracesofwar"/><ref name="geocities"/>

He was subsequently ordered with his Motorcycle Battalion north in order to reinforce german forces during the efforts to slow Soviet counteroffensives between [[Oryol|Orel]] and [[Voronezh]]. Gorn and his unit repelled a number of strong soviets attacks during the [[Battle of Voronezh (1942)|fighting in Voronezh]], but suffered heavy casualties leaving only 55 men combat effective by the end of August. For his service during that battle, he was decorated with the Oak Leaves to his [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] on August 17, 1942.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="tracesofwar"/><ref name="geocities"/>

Gorn remained in command of the 59th Battalion until October that year, when he was appointed commanding officer of Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 10 attached to 9th Panzer Division. His regiment participated in the [[Battles of Rzhev]] from November 1942 and repelled several Soviet breakthrough attempts, specifically near [[Sychyovka, Sychyovsky District, Smolensk Oblast|Sychyovka]] along the [[Vazuza]] river and south of Loshki, where Gorn distinguished himself again and contributed to his Division's freeing of the [[129th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|129th Infantry Division]] and the destruction of cut-off enemy forces. For his service during that campaign, he was decorated with Swords to his [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] and also received Bulgarian [[Order of Bravery]], IV. Class with swords.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="Lexikon4">{{cite web | url = https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Panzergrenadierregimenter/PGR10.htm | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Lexikon der Wehrmacht | title = Panzegrenadier-Regiment 10 | publisher = Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites}}</ref><ref name="tracesofwar"/><ref name="geocities"/>

In March 1943, Gorn was promoted to ''[[Oberst]]'' (Colonel) and ordered back to [[Germany]], where he attended the tactical course at the [[Panzertruppenschule II|Panzer Troops School]] in [[Wünsdorf]] near [[Berlin]]. He completed the course in September that year and assumed duty as commander of the training courses at the [[Panzertruppenschule I|Panzer Troop School]] in [[Krampnitz]]. Gorn later assumed command of entire school and remained in that capacity until the end of July 1944.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

He was subsequently ordered to [[Mrągowo|Sensburg]] in [[East Prussia]], where he was tasked with the activation of [[561st Volksgrenadier Division (Wehrmacht)|561st Grenadier Division]] as new unit of 29th [[Aufstellungswelle]] ([[Conscription|Draft Wave]]). His division was built from the training units stationed in East Prussia and reinforced from the remnants of other combat units previously destroyed in combat. Only a few days later, 561st Division was assigned to the [[3rd Panzer Army]] and sent into combat against the [[Red Army]] in [[Lithuania]]. Gorn and his division were ordered to attack the Soviets during the ongoing [[Operation Bagration]], a large strategic offensive, however they were pushed back and the [[Red Army]] destroyed 28 of 34 divisions of [[Army Group Centre]] and completely shattered the German front line.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="Lexikon3">{{cite web | url = https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Volksgrenadierdivisionen/561VGD.htm | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Lexikon der Wehrmacht | title = 561. Volksgrenadier-Division | publisher = Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites}}</ref><ref name="geocities"/><ref name="axishistory3">{{cite web | url = https://www.axishistory.com/list-all-categories/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/3240-561-grenadier-division | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Axis History Forum | title = 561. Grenadier-Division (axishistory.com) | publisher = Axis History Websites}}</ref>

His division was subsequently renamed to 561st Volksgrenadier Division, to build morale, appealing at once to nationalism (Volk) and Germany's older military traditions (Grenadier). Gorn remained in command until late September, when he was temporarily relieved of command due to illness. He spent three months in hospital and was promoted to ''[[Generalmajor]]'' on October 1, 1944.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

Gorn returned to the command of 561st Division in December 1944 and participated in the defense of [[Tilsit]] and later took part in the [[Battle of Königsberg|defense of Königsberg]]. Unfortunately exhausted Gorn became ill again and was transported to the hospital by the beginning of March 1945. Königsberg was captured by the Red Army one month later and 561st Volksgrenadier Division totally destroyed. Gorn spent total of six weeks in hospital and assumed command of [[710th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|710th Infantry Division]], which was stationed in [[Austria]] after heavy fighting in [[Hungary]] in mid-April.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="Lexikon2">{{cite web | url = https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/710ID-R.htm | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Lexikon der Wehrmacht | title = 710. Infanterie-Division | publisher = Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites}}</ref><ref name="geocities"/><ref name="axishistory2">{{cite web | url = https://www.axishistory.com/list-all-categories/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/4314-561-volksgrenadier-division | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Axis History Forum | title = 561. Volksgrenadier-Division (axishistory.com) | publisher = Axis History Websites}}</ref>

He commanded his new division during the final combats with Red Army in the area of [[Neulengbach]] and [[St. Pölten]] along the [[Danube]] river, before retreated to the town of [[Steyr]] in [[Upper Austria]], where he surrendered his command to a [[United States Army]] unit on May 8, 1945.<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="Lexikon2"/><ref name="geocities"/><ref name="axishistory">{{cite web | url = https://www.axishistory.com/list-all-categories/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/3417-710-infanterie-division | access-date = June 19, 2018 | work = Axis History Forum | title = 710. Infanterie-Division (axishistory.com) | publisher = Axis History Websites}}</ref>

==Postwar life==

Gorn spent two years in allied captivity and was released in June 1947. He died on July 10, 1968, aged 69 in [[Rosenheim]], [[Germany]].<ref name="Lexikon"/><ref name="geocities"/>

==Decorations==

* [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]]
** Knight's Cross on 20 April 1941 as ''Major'' and commander of the 1st Battalion, 10th ''Schützen'' Regiment{{sfn|Scherzer|2007|p=342}}
** 113th Oak Leaves on 17 August 1942 as ''[[Oberstleutnant]]'' and commander of 59th ''Krad-Schützen'' Battalion {{sfn|Scherzer|2007|p=342}}
** 30th Swords on 8 June 1943 as ''[[Oberst]]'' and commander of 10th ''Panzergrenadier'' Regiment {{sfn|Scherzer|2007|p=342}}
* [[German Cross]] in Gold on 8 February 1942 as ''[[Major (Germany)|Major]]'' in the [[9th Panzer Division (Wehrmacht)|9th ''Panzer'' Division]]{{sfn|Patzwall|Scherzer|2001|p=142}}
* [[Clasp to the Iron Cross]] (1939) 2nd Class (16 October 1939) & 1st Class (8 April 1941){{sfn|Thomas|1997|p=210}}
* Prussian [[Iron Cross]] (1914)<ref name="geocities"/>
** 2nd Class
** 2nd Class
* [[Panzer Badge]] in Bronze<ref name="geocities"/>
* [[Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918]]
* [[Sudetenland Medal]] with Prague Castle Bar
* [[Eastern Front Medal]]<ref name="geocities"/>
* [[Clasp to the Iron Cross]] (1939)
* [[Wound Badge]] (1939)<ref name="geocities"/>
** 2nd Class (16 October 1939)<ref name="Thomas p210">Thomas 1997, p. 210.</ref>
* [[Iron Cross]] (1939)
** 1st Class (8 April 1941)<ref name="Thomas p210"/>
* [[Panzer Badge]] in Bronze
* [[Eastern Front Medal]]
* [[Wound Badge]] (1939)
** in Black
** in Black
** in Silver
** in Silver
* [[Close Combat Clasp]]
* [[Close Combat Clasp]]<ref name="geocities"/>
** in Bronze
** in Bronze
* [[Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918]]<ref name="geocities"/>
* [[German Cross]] in Gold on 8 February 1942 as ''[[Major (Germany)|Major]]'' in the 9. Panzer-Division<ref>Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 142.</ref>
* [[Sudetenland Medal]] with Prague Castle Bar<ref name="geocities"/>
* [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]]
* [[Wehrmacht Long Service Award]], 1st Class<ref name="geocities"/>
** Knight's Cross on 20 April 1941 as ''Major'' and commander of the I./Schützen-Regiment 10<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 199.</ref>
* Bulgarian [[Order of Bravery]], 3rd Class<ref name="tracesofwar"/><ref name="geocities"/>
** 113th Oak Leaves on 17 August 1942 as ''[[Oberstleutnant]]'' and commander of Krad-Schützen-Bataillon 59<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 61.</ref>
* Austrian War Commemorative Medal with Swords<ref name="geocities"/>
** 30th Swords on 8 June 1943 as ''[[Oberst]]'' and commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 10<ref>Fellgiebel 2000, p. 41.</ref>
* Hungarian War Commemorative Medal with Swords<ref name="geocities"/>
* Bulgarian War Commemorative Medal with Swords<ref name="geocities"/>


==References==
==References==
Line 51: Line 107:
===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Berger
|first=Florian
|year=1999
|title=Mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern. Die höchstdekorierten Soldaten des Zweiten Weltkrieges
|trans_title=With Oak Leaves and Swords. The Highest Decorated Soldiers of the Second World War
|language=German
|location=Vienna, Austria
|publisher=Selbstverlag Florian Berger
|isbn=978-3-9501307-0-6
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Fellgiebel
|first=Walther-Peer
|authorlink=Walther-Peer Fellgiebel
|year=2000
|origyear=1986
|title=Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile
|trans_title=The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches
|language=German
|location=Friedberg, Germany
|publisher=Podzun-Pallas
|isbn=978-3-7909-0284-6
}}
* {{Cite book
* {{Cite book
|last1=Patzwall
|last1=Patzwall
|first1=Klaus D.
|first1=Klaus D.
|last2=Scherzer
|last2=Scherzer
|first2=Veit
|first2=Veit
|year=2001
|year=2001
|title=Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II
|title=Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II
|trans_title=The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2
|trans-title=The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2
|language=German
|language=German
|location=Norderstedt, Germany
|location=Norderstedt, Germany
|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall
|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall
|isbn=978-3-931533-45-8
|isbn=978-3-931533-45-8
}}
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Schaulen
|first=Fritjof
|year=2003
|title=Eichenlaubträger 1940 – 1945 Zeitgeschichte in Farbe I Abraham – Huppertz
|trans_title=Oak Leaves Bearers 1940 – 1945 Contemporary History in Color I Abraham – Huppertz
|language=German
|location=Selent, Germany
|publisher=Pour le Mérite
|isbn=978-3-932381-20-1
}}
* {{Cite book
* {{Cite book
|last=Scherzer
|last=Scherzer
Line 104: Line 125:
|year=2007
|year=2007
|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives
|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives
|trans_title=The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives
|trans-title=The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives
|language=German
|language=German
|location=Jena, Germany
|location=Jena, Germany
|publisher=Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag
|publisher=Scherzers Militaer-Verlag
|isbn=978-3-938845-17-2
|isbn=978-3-938845-17-2
}}
}}
* {{Cite book
* {{Cite book
|last=Thomas
|last=Thomas
Line 115: Line 136:
|year=1997
|year=1997
|title=Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 1: A–K
|title=Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 1: A–K
|trans_title=The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 1: A–K
|trans-title=The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 1: A–K
|language=German
|language=German
|location=Osnabrück, Germany
|location=Osnabrück, Germany
|publisher=Biblio-Verlag
|publisher=Biblio-Verlag
|isbn=978-3-7648-2299-6
|isbn=978-3-7648-2299-6
}}
}}
{{Refend}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
*[http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/G/GornW.htm Walter Gorn @ Lexikon der Wehrmacht]
*[http://www.ww2awards.com/person/5254 Walter Gorn @ World War 2 Awards.com]
*{{Wayback |date=20110131175623 |url=http://geocities.com/Pentagon/bunker/7729/WEHRMACHT/HEER/Generalmajor/GORN_WALTER.html |title=Walter Gorn @ Axis Biographical Research }}


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
Line 133: Line 149:
|before=Generalleutnant Rudolf-Eduard Licht
|before=Generalleutnant Rudolf-Eduard Licht
|after=None
|after=None
|title=Commander of 710. Infanterie-Division
|title=Commander of [[710th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|710th Infantry Division]]
|years=15 April 1945 – 8 May 1945
|years=April 15, 1945 – May 8, 1945
}}
}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


{{KCwithOLandSW}}
{{KCwithOL}}
{{Knight's Cross recipients of the 9th PD}}
{{Subject bar
{{Subject bar
| portal1=Biography
| portal1=Biography
| portal2=Military of Germany
| portal3=World War I
| portal4=World War II
}}
}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Gorn, Walter
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = German general
| DATE OF BIRTH = 24 September 1898
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Bieganin]], [[Province of Posen|Posen]], [[Kingdom of Prussia]]
| DATE OF DEATH = 10 July 1968
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[Rosenheim]], [[Germany]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gorn, Walter}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gorn, Walter}}
[[Category:1898 births]]
[[Category:1898 births]]
[[Category:1968 deaths]]
[[Category:1968 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Ostrów Wielkopolski County]]
[[Category:People from Ostrów Wielkopolski County]]
[[Category:People from the Province of Posen]]
[[Category:Military personnel from the Province of Posen]]
[[Category:Wehrmacht generals]]
[[Category:Major generals of the German Army (Wehrmacht)]]
[[Category:German military personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:German Army personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:Prussian Army personnel]]
[[Category:Prussian Army personnel]]
[[Category:Recipients of The Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918]]
[[Category:Recipients of the clasp to the Iron Cross, 2nd class]]
[[Category:Recipients of the clasp to the Iron Cross, 2nd class]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Close Combat Clasp]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Gold German Cross]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Gold German Cross]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of Bravery]]
[[Category:German Army generals of World War II]]

Latest revision as of 13:17, 27 April 2024

Walter Gorn
Gorn as Colonel
Born(1898-09-24)24 September 1898
Bieganin, Posen, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Died10 July 1968(1968-07-10) (aged 69)
Rosenheim, West Germany
Allegiance German Empire
 Weimar Republic
 Nazi Germany
Service / branchArmy
Years of service1916–1945
Rank Generalmajor
Commands561st Grenadier Division
710th Infantry Division
Battles / warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
German Cross in Gold

Walter Gorn (24 September 1898 – 10 July 1968) was a highly decorated Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II who commanded several divisions. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.[1]

A veteran of both world wars, Gorn began his career as Private with Grenadier Regiment on the Western Front in 1916, but was forced to leave the Army following the War. He then served as an officer for fifteen years with the Police units, before joined the newly established Wehrmacht in 1935. During the World War II, Gorn rose through the ranks and commanded battalion and regiment on the Eastern Front for three years, before he was selected for General's rank.[2][3]

Early years

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Gorn was born on September 24, 1898, in the village of Bieganin, a part of the town of Pleszew near Posen as the son of farmer Ferdinand Gorn and his wife Anna. During the World War I, he enlisted the German Army and was assigned as Kriegsfreiwilliger (roughly equivalent to Private) to West Prussian Grenadier-Regiment „König Wilhelm I.“ Nr. 7 operating with 9th Division on the Western Front. Gorn saw combat on Verdun and Aisne, before he was transferred to replacement machine gun company of V Corps in July 1917.[2][3]

After a brief period with that unit, Gorn was transferred to 1st Heavy Machine Gun company of 36th Landwehr-Assault-Infantry Regiment stationed in his native Posen. He remained in that capacity for the rest of the war and participated mostly in the training of replacement units. For his service during the War, Gorn was decorated with Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class.[2][3]

Following the Armistice, his unit was disbanded and Gorn joined the Freikorps, paramilitary units consisted of disgruntled and demobilized soldiers. He was assigned to the 2nd Company of 18th Volunteer-Regiment and took part in the combats against Red Army in Lithuania and Courland. Gorn was promoted to Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) in April 1919 and returned to Germany in July that year. He was promoted Unteroffizier (Corporal) on September 7 that year and discharged from the Army by the end of the month.[2][3]

Gorn (middle row, 1st from left) with the officers of 3rd Motorcycle-Rifle-Battalion in July 1935.

In June 1920, Gorn joined the Schutzpolizei (Protection Police) as Unterwachtmeister (equivalent of Sergeant) and was stationed in Breslau for next seven years, reaching the rank of Oberwachtmeister (staff sergeant) in April 1923. While in this capacity, he completed several physical trainings and was selected for Police-Officer-Aspirant Course at the higher police school in Eiche near Potsdam in September 1925.[2][3]

Upon completing the course one year later, Gorn rejoined his unit in Breslau and was commissioned Leutnant (second lieutenant) on April 29, 1927. He subsequently served as Platoon leader until November 1928, when he was transferred to the staff of Police Inspection East as Adjutant. Gorn was promoted to Oberleutnant (first lieutenant) in March 1929 and ordered to the Police School for training as District leader. He completed the training in December 1930 and entered the training course as Traffic-Officer and Motor Vehicle Driver with the Police Inspection for Technology and Traffic in Breslau.[2][3]

Gorn completed all his instructions in April 1931 and served as Traffic-Officer in Breslau for three years, before assumed duty as Motor-Transport-Officer with the Police Department in Iserlohn, Westphalia in October 1934. He was promoted to Hauptmann (Captain) one month later and returned to Breslau in April 1935 as leader of the Motorcycle-Guards-Unit.[2][3]

World War II

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Following the Adolf Hitler's rise to power and creation of Wehrmacht in mid-1935, Gorn's unit was incorporated into the Army and he assumed command of 5th Company of the 3rd Motorcycle-Rifle-Battalion under Obertsleutnant Günther von Manteuffel in Bad Freienwalde. His battalion became a part of the 3rd Panzer Division and Gorn became more involved in Armoured warfare. He participated in the occupation of Sudetenland in October 1938 and German occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939.[2][3]

In July 1939, Gorn was transferred to the headquarters of newly created XIX. Army Motorised Corps under famous General Heinz Guderian and served as Commandant of the Staff-Quarters during the Invasion of Poland, receiving Clasp to the Iron Cross 2nd Class. He was promoted to Major in March 1940 and assumed command of 10th Rifle Replacement Battalion in Sankt Pölten, Lower Austria.[2][3]

During the in Battle of the Netherlands in May 1940, his battalion was attached to 9th Panzer Division and Gorn later participated in the Battle of France. He was appointed commander of 1st Battalion, 10th Rifle Regiment in October 1940 and took part in the Invasion of Yugoslavia in early April 1941. Gorn distinguished himself on April 8 and received Iron Cross 1st Class for bravery. Only two weeks later, Gorn led his battalion during the advance on the town of Debar in North Macedonia. His orders were to establish contact with Italian troops in the city of Gostivar and his mixed unit overran a strong hostile resistance line and crushed seven enemy batteries. Another nine enemy batteries, twelve anti-tank guns and numerous additional war materiel was captured. His attack also liberated 800 Italian prisoners, which were armed and taken under command. For his leadership during the battle, Gorn was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on April 20, 1941.[2][1][3]

Gorn led his battalion during the German invasion of the Soviet Union in July 1941 and took part in combats at Uman and Kiev, Ukraine. He was promoted to Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel) in February 1942 and assumed command of 59th Motorcycle-Rifle-Battalion, operating also with 9th Panzer Division, one month later. For his previous service during the combats in Kursk Oblast and east Ukraine, Gorn received German Cross in Gold.[2][1][3]

He was subsequently ordered with his Motorcycle Battalion north in order to reinforce german forces during the efforts to slow Soviet counteroffensives between Orel and Voronezh. Gorn and his unit repelled a number of strong soviets attacks during the fighting in Voronezh, but suffered heavy casualties leaving only 55 men combat effective by the end of August. For his service during that battle, he was decorated with the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on August 17, 1942.[2][1][3]

Gorn remained in command of the 59th Battalion until October that year, when he was appointed commanding officer of Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 10 attached to 9th Panzer Division. His regiment participated in the Battles of Rzhev from November 1942 and repelled several Soviet breakthrough attempts, specifically near Sychyovka along the Vazuza river and south of Loshki, where Gorn distinguished himself again and contributed to his Division's freeing of the 129th Infantry Division and the destruction of cut-off enemy forces. For his service during that campaign, he was decorated with Swords to his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and also received Bulgarian Order of Bravery, IV. Class with swords.[2][4][1][3]

In March 1943, Gorn was promoted to Oberst (Colonel) and ordered back to Germany, where he attended the tactical course at the Panzer Troops School in Wünsdorf near Berlin. He completed the course in September that year and assumed duty as commander of the training courses at the Panzer Troop School in Krampnitz. Gorn later assumed command of entire school and remained in that capacity until the end of July 1944.[2][3]

He was subsequently ordered to Sensburg in East Prussia, where he was tasked with the activation of 561st Grenadier Division as new unit of 29th Aufstellungswelle (Draft Wave). His division was built from the training units stationed in East Prussia and reinforced from the remnants of other combat units previously destroyed in combat. Only a few days later, 561st Division was assigned to the 3rd Panzer Army and sent into combat against the Red Army in Lithuania. Gorn and his division were ordered to attack the Soviets during the ongoing Operation Bagration, a large strategic offensive, however they were pushed back and the Red Army destroyed 28 of 34 divisions of Army Group Centre and completely shattered the German front line.[2][5][3][6]

His division was subsequently renamed to 561st Volksgrenadier Division, to build morale, appealing at once to nationalism (Volk) and Germany's older military traditions (Grenadier). Gorn remained in command until late September, when he was temporarily relieved of command due to illness. He spent three months in hospital and was promoted to Generalmajor on October 1, 1944.[2][3]

Gorn returned to the command of 561st Division in December 1944 and participated in the defense of Tilsit and later took part in the defense of Königsberg. Unfortunately exhausted Gorn became ill again and was transported to the hospital by the beginning of March 1945. Königsberg was captured by the Red Army one month later and 561st Volksgrenadier Division totally destroyed. Gorn spent total of six weeks in hospital and assumed command of 710th Infantry Division, which was stationed in Austria after heavy fighting in Hungary in mid-April.[2][7][3][8]

He commanded his new division during the final combats with Red Army in the area of Neulengbach and St. Pölten along the Danube river, before retreated to the town of Steyr in Upper Austria, where he surrendered his command to a United States Army unit on May 8, 1945.[2][7][3][9]

Postwar life

[edit]

Gorn spent two years in allied captivity and was released in June 1947. He died on July 10, 1968, aged 69 in Rosenheim, Germany.[2][3]

Decorations

[edit]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f "Gorn, Walter - TracesofWar.com". Traces of War. Traces of War Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Gorn, Walter". Lexikon der Wehrmacht. Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae "Gorn, Walter". Geocities. Geocities Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  4. ^ "Panzegrenadier-Regiment 10". Lexikon der Wehrmacht. Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  5. ^ "561. Volksgrenadier-Division". Lexikon der Wehrmacht. Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  6. ^ "561. Grenadier-Division (axishistory.com)". Axis History Forum. Axis History Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  7. ^ a b "710. Infanterie-Division". Lexikon der Wehrmacht. Lexikon der Wehrmacht Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  8. ^ "561. Volksgrenadier-Division (axishistory.com)". Axis History Forum. Axis History Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  9. ^ "710. Infanterie-Division (axishistory.com)". Axis History Forum. Axis History Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  10. ^ a b c Scherzer 2007, p. 342.
  11. ^ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 142.
  12. ^ Thomas 1997, p. 210.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001). Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II [The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8.
  • Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Militaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
  • Thomas, Franz (1997). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 1: A–K [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 1: A–K] (in German). Osnabrück, Germany: Biblio-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7648-2299-6.
Military offices
Preceded by
Generalleutnant Rudolf-Eduard Licht
 Commander of 710th Infantry Division
April 15, 1945 – May 8, 1945 		Succeeded by
None
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