Seek info a Member of 5th Mountain Division

[Rich Landy]

Gent,ss I am seeking information on Lt Michael Kirchmann, Gebirgsjager Regt 100, 5th Mountain Division. I know he fought in Crete and, I believe he was awarded the German Cross in Gold for that action. He was killed on the Leningrad front. Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich

[Gran Sasso]

I know he fought in Crete and, I believe he was awarded the German Cross in Gold for that action.

The german cross was only instituted at 28th september 1941, so 4 month after crete.

[hucks216]

Michael Kirchmann won the DKiG as an Oberfeldwebel with 3./Gebirgsjäger-Rgt 100 on 16th October 1942.

[Rich Landy]

Gents, this is most helpful. According to a family member Michael and a very small group = part of his squad at the time - captured over100 British troops on Crete. the story goes he came around a corner and they were having lunch. He disarmed them and put them in a church until reinforcements arrived. I assumed he received the DCIG for that action. So, based on Gran Sasso's comment and the much later date, I think Michael probably did other feats in the Leningrad area which would closer match the award. He was subsequently promoted to Leutnant - I have a photo in an Officer's uniform. But was later killed on the Russian front. Any way to locate a write up on what accomplishment warranted the DCIG? Thanks Rich

[Simon O.]

In some cases recommendations for the DKiG are still around, whether his is i wouldn't know but it was usual for the DKiG to be a cumulative award so i wouldn't be surprised in the least if his actions on Crete went in to the recommendation, but those actions should have been after the award of the EKI.