Bruno Ritter von Hauenschild

Bruno Ritter von Hauenschild (9 June 1896 – 10 March 1953), born Bruno Hauenschild, was a general in the German Army.

Hauenschild was born in Würzburg, Kingdom of Bavaria. He died in the Bavarian capital, Munich.

World War I
Shortly after Germany entered World War I, Hauenschild served as a cadet with the Bavarian 11th Field Artillery Regiment. For his achievements in the First World War, Hauenschild was awarded Bavaria's Military Order of Max Joseph. This award made Hauenschild a Knight (Ritter) and allowed him to add both this honorific title and the style "von" to his name.

World War II
At the beginning of World War II, Ritter von Hauenschild rejoined the army as an officer.

On 25 August 1941, as a Colonel (Oberst) in the 4th Panzer Brigade, he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

From 15 April to 12 September 1942, general Ritter von Hauenschild commanded the 24th Armored Division. On 17 September 1942, he received Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

In 1943, Ritter von Hauenschild was given command of the schools for armored troops.

Defense of Berlin
On 26 January 1945, Ritter von Hauenschild was given command of the III Military District (Wehrkreis III or III Corps Area) headquartered in Berlin. He was responsible for the territories of Altmark, Neumark, and Brandenburg. Ritter von Hauenschild commanded the III Military District until 15 March. He was preceded as commander of the III Military District by Infantry General (General der Infanterie) Joachim von Kortzfleisch. Ritter von Hauenschild was followed by Pioneer General (General der Pionere) Walter Kuntze.

As the Soviets approached Berlin, Ritter von Hauenschild was also given command of the Berlin Defense Area. He was given this command in mid-April, prior to the actual start of the Battle for Berlin. Ritter von Hauenschild was relieved of command of the Berlin Defense Area on 6 March. He was replaced by Lieutenant-General (Generalleutnant) Helmuth Reymann.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (21 May 1915)
 * 1st Class (6 December 1917)
 * Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords
 * Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Max Joseph (2 September 1918)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold (1918)
 * Cross of Honor
 * Anschluss Medal
 * Sudetenland Medal
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (24 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (19 October 1939)
 * Panzer Badge in Silver
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 25 August 1941 as Oberst and commander of 4. Panzer-Brigade
 * 129th Oak Leaves on 27 September 1942 as Generalmajor and commander of 24. Panzer-Division
 * Military Merit Order, 4th class with Swords (Bavaria)