Rudolf Enseling

Rudolf Enseling was an Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel), 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
Rudolf Enseling was born on 30 August 1914, in Karlsruhe. He was one of the earliest members of the SS joining in 1933 when he was posted to the 62nd SS Standarte. He remained with the 62nd SS Standarte until 1935 when he joined the Pionier Battalion of the SS-VT which had just been created.

In 1936 Enseling was selected to become an officer and was posted to the SS-Junkerschule at Brunswick, graduating in February 1937 when he was given command of the 2nd Platoon, Pionier Battalion SS-VT.

World War II
After serving in the Polish Campaign Ensling was stationed in Dresden with the Pionier reserve company, he then returned to the Reich Division, which is how the SS-VT was now known, as the Pionier Light column commander.

In January 1941 he was the commander of the 3rd Company of the Pionier Battalion and was awarded the German Cross in Gold for bravery when serving with the Kampfgruppe Reich.

In June 1942 he was given command of the Pionier Battalion until June 1944, when he was given command of the I Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment, for the Normandy invasion, taking command of the Panzer Regiment in July 1944.

It was while in command of the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment that Ensling was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in August 1944.

Post war
Rudolf Enseling survived the war and died in his home town of Karlsruhe on 25 January 1977.

Promotions

 * Untersturmführer: April 20, 1937
 * Oberstrumführer: January 30, 1939
 * Hauptsturmführer: April 20, 1941
 * Sturmbannführer: June 21, 1943
 * Obertsturmbannführer: Nov. 9, 1944