Why Americans Honor a German Wehrmacht Officer
In the brutal Battle of Hürtgenwald, Lieutenant Friedrich Lengfeld exemplified what it means to remain human even under the most desperate conditions. Discover the remarkable story of a man whose courage transcended enemy lines.
Between Mines and Morality – Who Was Friedrich Lengfeld?
Lieutenant Friedrich Lengfeld served as company commander of the 2nd Company, 275th Infantry Division, during the fierce fighting in the Hürtgenwald in November 1944. Together with his soldiers, he secured the area around the minefield known as “Wilde Sau,” designed to stop the advancing American troops.
Lengfeld’s leadership style was considered exemplary. He had already been wounded several times during previous deployments on the Eastern Front and was decorated for his bravery. On November 7, embodying his principle of “leading from the front,” he personally led a reconnaissance patrol against the American forces.
Cries for Help in the Minefield – The Moment That Changed Everything
After intense combat on the morning of November 12, German soldiers heard desperate cries and screams of pain coming from the minefield in front of them. A wounded American soldier was trapped, lying in no man's land between the opposing armies.
Lieutenant Friedrich Lengfeld ordered his men explicitly not to fire on any American medics who might come forward, so they could safely rescue and treat their wounded comrade.
Selfless Until the End – Lengfeld’s Rescue Mission in the Minefield
As the American soldier’s cries continued for hours, Lengfeld decided to take action himself. He instructed his own medics to form a rescue squad and, as always, placed himself at the front, leading the team under the protective symbol of the Red Cross into the minefield.
At first, they successfully bypassed several tank mines, which were relatively easy to spot due to their size and placement. Eventually, they reached a road; the injured American lay on the opposite side. Just as Lengfeld attempted to cross the road, he stepped on a concealed German anti-personnel mine.
The explosion caused severe internal injuries from shrapnel. Despite being swiftly evacuated by his less severely wounded comrades to a nearby aid station, Lieutenant Friedrich Lengfeld succumbed to his wounds shortly afterward.
Hürtgen War Cemetery – A Monument Honoring the Enemy
In recognition of his extraordinary act, the Americans erected the Friedrich Lengfeld Monument, which stands today in the Hürtgen War Cemetery. This unique memorial symbolizes humanity, respect, and brotherhood—even between former enemies—an honor that remains unparalleled to this day.
A Comrade’s Memories of Lieutenant Lengfeld
“With Lt. Lengfeld, I had lost my best commander. He had meant so much to me in those difficult weeks, giving us inner strength. He was an exemplary company leader who never demanded more from us than he himself was willing to give. With him at the lead, I joined reconnaissance patrols right up to the American front lines. When American high-explosive ammunition hit the trees around us with a sharp crack, creating the impression that the enemy had broken through, he never said, 'Go ahead…' but always, 'Come with me…'”
– Memories of Hubert Gees, subordinate soldier.
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