Konteradmiral Walther Oehler (1888-1968)

[Kriegsmarine Großadmiral]

Can someone confirm if Oehler recieved the following Awards:

- EK I 1914
- Spange zum EK I (since he was awarded the Deutches Kreuz in Gold, he had to have the EK I 1939, or in case he had the EK I 1914, the Spange zum EK I)
- Spange zum EK II
- Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie (since he commanded the 2nd Flak regiment/brigade)
- Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (1939) (he was Severely Wounded and in hospital from 21 April 1944 until 31 January 1945)

On his photo below, 4 ribbons can be seen. I assume these are: EK II 1914, Ehrenkreuz Frontkämpfer, Wehrmacht DA 1. and 3. Klasse.

Thanks.

[Dave Danner]

Oehler was taken prisoner in 1914 by the Japanese. He likely only had the 1914 Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, not the 1.Klasse.

He was in the Imperial Navy from April 1908 to August 1920 and in the Reichsmarine/Kriegsmarine from October 1932 onwards, initially as a civilian employee and then as an L-Offizier/E-Offizier. I am not sure if his time in the Netherlands Indies police in the early 1920s counted toward the Wehrmacht DA, but even with that he still did not reach 25 years of service. So the DA should only be the 2. Klasse for 18 years.

So 1914 EK2 mit 1939 Spange, Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer, Wehrmacht DA 2. Klasse, 1939 EK 1 and the other badges you mention.