Henze, Albert (Generalleutnant) Date of birth: August 7th, 1894 (Kirchhain/Hesse, Germany) Date of death: March 31st, 1979 (Ingolstadt/Bavaria, Germany) Nationality: German (1933-1945, Third Reich) Biography Promotions: January 27th, 1915: Gefreiter; April 21st, 1915: Unteroffizier; August 2nd, 1915: Vizefeldwebel; March 20th, 1916: Leutnant der Reserve; May 20th, 1920: Leutnant (Polizei); October 21st, 1934: Hauptmann (Reichsheer); January 1st, 1939: Major; December 1st, 1941: Oberstleutnant; April 1st, 1942: Oberst; November 9th, 1944: Generalmajor; May 1st, 1945: Generalleutnant.   Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub Period: Second World War (1939-1945) Rank: Generalmajor (Brigadier) Unit: Kommandeur, Gruppe Henze, 21. Feld-Division (L), Luftwaffe Awarded on: January 21st, 1945 At the beginning of the battle of Courland, on the 23.12.1944, the Soviets managed to penetrate deeply into the combat area of the 21. Feld-Division (L) south of Dzukste following heavy artillery preparation. On the next day the Soviets continued their attack against the centre of the Division’s front with 6 rifle divisions and the bulk of a tank corps. Recognizing the danger of a breakthrough, Generalmajor Henze ordered a counterattack into the flank of the Soviet assault formation. This counterthrust managed to succeed with the support of Sturmgeschütze, and a new defensive line was formed. Soviet losses amounted to 90 tanks, 3 assault guns and 5 artillery pieces. Henze would receive the Oakleaves for this action. 709th Award.