Global InformationHelmut Machemer information
Helmut Machemer | |
|---|---|
 Machemer writing a letter from a dug-out in Russia (1941/42) | |
| Born | 7 May 1903 Sprendlingen |
| Died | 18 May 1942 (aged 39) |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |  German Army |
| Years of service | 1939–1942 |
| Rank | Unterarzt |
| Unit | 16th Panzer Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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| Awards |
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| Spouse(s) | Erna |
| Children |
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Helmut Machemer (7 May 1903 – 18 May 1942) was a German ophthalmologist who served as "Truppenarzt" with the rank of "Unterarzt", corresponding to the rank of sergeant. He worked with Professor Aurel von Szily in Münster during the 1930s and, with him, pioneered an electrical treatment for retinal detachment.
After Nazi Germany passed the Nuremberg Laws in 1935, Machemer and his wife began experiencing more serious discrimination as, under these laws and due to her mother's Jewish ancestry, his wife was classified as a Mischling (or "mixed-race") and her rights were restricted.[1] He joined the German army at the outbreak of the Second World War in the hope of winning a first class Iron Cross bravery medal. Machemer hoped this would allow his family to be reclassified as being of "German-blood". He fought in France and Russia, was wounded in action and won both the Iron Cross 1st Class and Iron Cross 2nd Class. Machemer was killed in action at the Second Battle of Kharkov on 18 May 1942, just four days after being notified of the first class award. His wife and children were granted German-blood status in March 1943. Machemer kept extensive written, photographic and film records of his wartime service and these have been published in a book and documentary film.
- ^ Gunkel, Christopher (28 February 2018). ""Vati darf nicht weg, es sind noch nicht alle Russen totgeschossen"". Retrieved 5 May 2023.