Oskar von Boddien

Who was Oskar von Boddien?

Oskar von Boddien was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded the Aufklärungs-Abteilung 22 of the 22nd Infantry Division. 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 recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Oskar von Boddien was killed 6 January 1942 near Yevpatoria, Ukraine. He was posthumously promoted to Oberst and was awarded Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross.

Oberst Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller, commander of Infanterie-Regiment 105 of the 72nd Infantry Division and charged by the AOK 11 with the leadership of the battles for Yevpatoria, on 6 January 1942 ordered the Aufklärungs-Abteilung 22 to attack the harbor area and conquer the city. Von Boddien together with the 1st Squadron under Oberleutnant von Frankenberg commence the attack. Von Boddien was mortally hit by machine gun fire and von Frankenberg was wounded.