Early Life and Infantry Service
Oskar von Boenigk was born into a military family, being the son of an army officer. Boenigk fils was born on 25 August 1893 in Siegerdorf, Bunzlau, Silesia. He began his military career as an 11-year-old cadet, which led to his being commissioned into the 11th Grenadier Regiment on 22 March 1912.
When World War I began, he was immediately assigned as a platoon leader until suffering a severe chest wound in October 1914 during the Battle of Longwy. His valor won him an Iron Cross Class, awarded 23 September 1914.
On 24 October 1914, he was promoted to company commander while carrying the simultaneous position of Ordnance Officer. He remained in these posts until 19 December 1915, when he transferred to aviation training. During this time, he fought in the battles of Loretto Heights and Arras. He was wounded again during 1915.
Read more about this topic: Oskar Freiherr Von Boenigk
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