World War II
While serving with the Germania, Lehmann became the commander of the armored car platoon. On being promoted in April 1940, he was given the command of the 14th Company of the Germania Regiment. He was transferred to the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler in October 1940.
Lehmann was recommended for the Knight's Cross by Theodor Wisch on account of his leadership of a battle group in the Zhitomir area of the Ukraine during December 1943.
In late 1944, Lehmann moved to the 1st SS Panzer Corps as chief of staff. He remained in this position until March 1945, when he was made divisional commander of the Das Reich. He led the division through Operation Frühlingserwachen, the battles around Vienna. It was while he was in command of Das Reich that he was awarded the Oakleaves to his Knight's Cross. Wounded during the fighting in Austria, Lehmann ended the war recovering from his injuries.
Read more about this topic: Rudolf Lehmann (SS Officer)
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