14 Facts About Fritz Darges

Fritz Darges was a German SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer in the Waffen-SS during World War II where he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Fritz Darges served as an adjutant to Martin Bormann and later was a personal adjutant to Adolf Hitler.

Fritz Darges fought in the Battle of France and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in July 1940 and promoted to Hauptsturmfuhrer.

Fritz Darges was then posted to the newly formed SS Division Wiking, took part in Operation Barbarossa and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st class in August 1942.

Fritz Darges was assigned to the Fuhrerbegleitkommando, an SS bodyguard unit that provided personal security for Hitler.

Fritz Darges was promoted to Obersturmbannfuhrer in January 1944.

One version of the story states that Hitler ordered Fritz Darges to dispatch the nuisance; Fritz Darges suggested that, as it was an airborne pest, the job should go to the Luftwaffe adjutant Nicolaus von Below.

All versions agree that Hitler immediately took Fritz Darges aside, dismissed him, and had him transferred to the Eastern Front.

Fritz Darges initially probed the Soviet line with a mixed Panzer and Panzer Grenadier Kampfgruppe and succeeded in breaking through the line at dawn.

Fritz Darges then attacked Regis Castle, forcing the garrison to retreat.

Fritz Darges then found himself surrounded by Soviet reinforcements and was forced to repel several attacks.

Fritz Darges had a career as a car salesman after the war.

Fritz Darges appeared in the 2000 documentary Hitlers Krieg im Osten, credited as himself.

Fritz Darges died on 25 October 2009 at his home in Celle and was buried there.