Markus Faulhaber

Markus Faulhaber (1914–1945) was a Sturmbannführer (Major) in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. It was given to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Life
Markus Faulhaber was born on 22 July 1914 in Zepfenhan (Rottweil), near Schömberg, Zollernalbkreis, Württemberg. He volunteered to join the SS-VT (SS number 113,916) in 1934, and was assigned to III./SS-VT-Standarte "Deutschland" in Ellwangen (1934-1936). Faulhaber was selected to become an officer. After he had graduated from the SS-Junkerschule in Braunschweig, he was assigned to III./SS-VT-Standarte "Germania", Radolfzell, in 1938.

He was taking part in the Polish Campaign, where he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class; and, as commander of 3./SS-InfRgt "Germania" (part of SS-Division Verfügungstruppe) in the Battle of France.

Still commander of 3./SS-InfRgt "Germania" (SS-Division "Wiking"), he also took part in the invasion of the Soviet Union, Operation Barbarossa where he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st class and the Eastern Front Medal 1941/42 awarded to all who suffered the first Russian winter of the war. He was awarded the Knight's Cross in December 1942 while in command of the 3rd Company. After that, Faulhaber became a member of the teaching staff (tactics instructor) of SS-Junkerschule in Bad Tölz and was promoted to SS-Sturmbannführer on 9 November 1943. He was next involved in the formation of the SS Panzergrenadier Brigade 49 which he commanded from June to August 1944. In April 1945 Faulhaber was given command of the 95th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 38th SS Division ''Nibelungen when it was formed from the staff and cadets at the college and eventually surrendered to the Americans.

Faulhaber died on 11 May 1945. He had been ordered by the Americans to persuade other German soldiers hiding in the mountains to come out and surrender. Although already wounded, and with one arm bandaged, Faulhaber drove into the mountains with his adjutant, Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant) Christen Dall. Their vehicle crashed and tumbled into the swollen Salzach River. While Dall managed to save himself, Faulhaber drowned. His body was transferred to Radolfzell, to be buried there.

Commands

 * 3rd Company SS Infantry Regiment Germania / 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking
 * SS Panzergrenadier Brigade 49 June 1944  - August 1944
 * 95th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, Division Nibelungen January 1945 - May 1945