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FERDINAND FOLTIN Born on November 30, 1916 in Vienna. Ferdinand Foltin joined the Austrian Federal Army as a one-year volunteer on September 3, 1936. On Aprii 14, 1938 he was taken into the German Armed Forces as an Oberfàhnrich. Foltin served initially with the 107th Infantry Regiment’s 6th Company in Bad Kreuznach. He subsequently joined to the parachute troops and took part in the 6th parachutist-rifleman course at Parachute School III, Braunschweig. Foltin became all Oberleutnant on August 1, 1940 and a week later took aver a platoon of the 5th Company, 3rd Parachute Regiment. Foltin was severely wounded in the Crete operation. His actions were aeknowledged on July 1, 1941 with the awarding of both Iron Crosses. Following an interim staff appointment, on August 21, 1942 he assumed command of 7th Company, 3rd Parachute Regiment, having led the company in an acting capacity since Februry 24. After serving as an ordnance officer with the Ia of the 7thAir Division and the lst Parachute Division, on Ianuary 1, 1944 he became commanding officer of II Battalion, 3rd Parachute Regiment. While in this position Foltin was promoted te Major on June 1, 1944. During the second battle of Cassino Fottin commanded a battle group in Cassino city. On March 15, 1944 the unit’s 7th Ccmpany was surrounded and wiped out. On the second day of fighting ten enemy tanks were destroyed and two Shermans knocked out by the one available assault gun. On the fifth day of the second battle of Cassino strong enemy armored forces attacked; Hauptmann Foltin played a decisive part in the holding of the exposed position. This act won him the Knight’s Cross. After completing general staff training Foltin was assigned to Headquarters, First Parachute Army. On September 1, 1944 he became Ia of the 7th Parachute Division. Foltin was held as a POW by the British from May 8 to October 20, 1945. Franz Kurowski - Knight's Cross Holders of the Fallschirmjager - Shiffer Military/Aviation History - 1995. |