Harald von Hirschfeld

Who was Harald von Hirschfeld?

Harald von Hirschfeld was a German general who commanded the 78.Volksgrenadier-Division during World War II. 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. In September 1943, as a Colonel in the 1st Mountain Division, he played a major role in the defeat and subsequent massacre of the Italian Acqui Division in Cephallonia.

Von Hirschfeld was married to Sylvinia von Dönhoff, who later married the former fighter pilot Adolf Galland. He was severely injured in an aerial attack in defense of the Dukla Pass and died on his way to the field hospital.