Eduard Dietl
| Surname | Dietl |
| Given Name | Eduard |
| Born | 21 Jul 1890 |
| Died | 23 Jun 1944 |
| Country | Germany |
| Category | Military-Ground |
| Gender | Male |
Contributor: C. Peter Chen
ww2dbaseEduard Dietl, son of a finance professional, was a WW1 veteran. As a second lieutenant and a company commander, he distinguished himself in leadership and bravery. During the interwar years, he became a member of the Nazi party, and was a key figure of the Nazi party in Munich.
ww2dbaseAs the war broke out in Europe, Dietl led the 3rd Mountain Division during the invasion of Poland, then led the same unit in the invasion of Norway. For his achievements in Poland and Norway, Dietl became the first man to be awarded Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross on 19 Jul 1940. On the same date, he was also promoted to the rank of general.
ww2dbaseDietl was well-liked by his men, who affectionally nicknamed him Buffel, or Buffalo, for his tough personality.
ww2dbaseIn Jun 1941, Dietl was placed in command of Operation Silver Fox which targeted Russian ports and railroads east of Finland. The operation saw initial success, but the invasion forces very quickly became burdened by the harsh and unfamiliar terrain, and became stagnant by Sep 1941. He was named the commander of all German forces in the Finland theater in Jan 1942.
ww2dbaseDietl died in a plane crash in Slovenia in Jun 1944.
ww2dbaseSources: DHM, Wikipedia.
Last Major Revision: Sep 2005
Photographs
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Eduard Dietl Timeline
| 21 Jul 1890 | Eduard Dietl was born. |
| 19 Jul 1940 | Eduard Dietl became the first person to receive Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. |
| 23 Jun 1944 | Generaloberst Eduard Dietl of the German 20.Gebirgsarmee was killed in a plane crash. |
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Visitor Submitted Comments
16 Jul 2016 05:06:39 AM
My apology first I just sent a comment earlier second again my last name is Deitle and we live in Ohio USA too. I wanted to add one more thing that I hope is some value. While with a High School Vocational education I eagerly studied aerospace engineering including jet aircraft and engines. I have gotten to the point can design a new type of jet engine and an actual rocket to send payloads into Earth orbit. So I guess what am saying is this us Germans we are designers builders finally innovators too. Thank you. W. Deitle.
6 Dec 2019 03:43:58 PM
My mother’s maiden name is Dietl. I have heard that Eduard was a distant relative of ours, and that there are many Dietl relatives who still live in Germany. My mother told me years ago that my brother had even written an essay about him in school over 40 years ago. Although I am not proud of the fact that we had a distant relative who was a Nazi, this is still very interesting information that I have been able to find and read on the internet. Thank you
All visitor submitted comments are opinions of those making the submissions and do not reflect views of WW2DB.
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16 Jul 2016 04:55:39 AM
There are different spellings for our last name and not exact if Eduard Dietl is any relation to us. With respect our last name is Deitle and we are Protestant with extra attention to our utmost respect and support for Israel and the Jewish persons everywhere. Thank you.