Quick Facts
Biography
Herbert-Ernst Vahl was a high-ranking member in the Waffen-SS during World War II who commanded the SS Division Das Reich and the 4th SS Polizei Division. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany.
In February 1943, Vahl was promoted to Oberführer, and given command of the SS Division Das Reich which was stationed in the Soviet Union. While in command during the Third Battle of Kharkov he was seriously wounded and awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. After recovering from his wounds he became the Inspector of Panzer troops in the SS Führungshauptamt (SS Leadership Main Office). In July 1944 Vahl returned to active service with the SS Polizei Division which was stationed in Thessalonika, Greece. Vahl arrived to assume command of the Division on 13 July 1944 but was killed in an auto accident on 22 July 1944.
His SS # was 430 348 and he joined the SS on 1 August 1942.