Hans Jordan

Who was Hans Jordan?

Hans Jordan was a German general during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. 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.

Jordan was given command of the 9th Army on 20 May 1944. The Soviet offensive Operation Bagration began on 22 June 1944. In the northern sector the Soviet offensive the 1st Belorussian Front under the command of Colonel General Konstantin Rokossovsky breached the Jordan's 9th Army defensive positions south and north of Babruysk. Jordan was unable to halt the Soviet offensive and Babruysk was encircled on 27 June 1944. Adolf Hitler made Jordan responsible for this defeat and released him of his command on 26 June, placing him on the Führerreserve.