Paul Senghas

Paul Senghas (31 January 1916 – 6 November 1996) was a Hauptsturmführer (Captain) in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Early life

Paul Senghas was born on the 31 January 1916, in Böttingen. In July 1935 he volunteered to join the SS-VT in Arolsen and was present during the Anschluss of Austria, the occupation of the Sudetenland and the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia.

World War II

Senghas participated in the Polish Campaign and the Battle of France and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class, in June 1940.

When the new SS Division Wiking was formed he was posted in as a Scharführer (Staff Sergeant) and took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st class in December 1941.

He was awarded the German Cross in Gold in June 1943. He was selected to become an officer and promoted to Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) in July 1943.

He was awarded the Knight's Cross in December 1944 for actions in December 1944 while in command of the 1st Company, 5th SS Panzer Regiment of 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking.

Senghas was severely wounded in April 1945 and evacuated to hospital at Warendorf where he was captured by the advancing American forces. He remained in captivity until June 1946.

Post war

Paul Senghas died on 6 November 1996.