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Erich Bärenfänger was born in Menden, Sauerland in 1915. This superb soldier (he joined army in 1936, and became a Leutnant in 1939) got both iron crosses for his action in the Westfeldzug, then got a german cross in gold in December 1941 for his continuously shown bravery. During the summer of 1942, he was an Oberleutnant and took part in the bloody attack of the fortress Sevastopol. He was awarded the Knight's Cross. Next summer he added Oak leaves during the campaign in Terek. In the winter of 43/44, he was a batallion commander in 98.Infanterie-Division. He was awarded with swords for his defensive action in Kertsch.
The famous photographer Tita Binz who took many photos for the Film-Foto Verlag's Knight's Cross postcard series took various photos of Bärenfänger.
I acquired several from his documents and awards, including his SA sports badge, Sports badge, and his German Cross in Gold (unfortunately this cannot be the original German Cross that Bärenfänger received, because the four-riveted construction began around mid-1942 and he was awarded it in 1941).
Bärenfänger made Generalmajor's rank at 30 years old, but during the final collapse of the Reich, he committed suicide on May 1st, 1945 in Berlin with his wife.
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