Introduction
Otto Herfurth (22 January 1893 – 29 September 1944) was a highly decorated Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Otto Herfurth was a conspirator in the 20 July Plot.
Role in the 20 July Plot
Otto Herfurth was the chief of staff of the III Military District which covered Berlin and Brandenburg. He initially supported the coup attempt, but later during the evening changed sides. On 14 August 1944, he was arrested and was tried by the Volksgerichtshof. He was hanged on 29 September 1944 next to Joachim Meichssner, Fritz von der Lancken, Wilhelm-Friedrich zu Lynar and Joachim Sadrozinski at Plötzensee Prison in Berlin.
Awards and decorations
- Military Merit Cross, 3rd class with War Decoration (Austria-Hungary)
- Iron Cross (1914)
- 2nd Class
- 1st Class
- Wound Badge (1914)
- in Black
- Hanseatic Cross of Hamburg
- Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918
- Iron Cross (1939)
- 2nd Class
- 1st Class
- Eastern Front Medal
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 September 1942 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 117
- Fellgiebel 2000, p. 185.