This Date in History: July 10

 

On July 10, 1944, the chain of command in the 101st Long-Range Reconnaissance Wing submitted an officer efficiency report on Luftwaffe Knight’s Cross winner Werner Breese.  A Captain Hünsdorff, the acting group commander, wrote the following:

“Short Assessment (Personal values, National Socialist attitude, accomplishments before the enemy, service accomplishments, mental and physical attributes and suitability, infantry experience, when and how obtained): Open and self-confident character, he is a mature person, definitely reliable and conscientious.  His understanding of the service is exemplary.  Well-liked among his comrades.  Respected by his superiors due to his eagerness to serve and his sense of duty.  Convinced National Socialist, able to pass on this philosophy to others.  He has fully stood the test in front of the enemy.  Was awarded the Knight’s Cross.  Has very well mastered his position as flight instructor.  He understands how to correctly employ pilots.  His eagerness in service is untiring.  Mentally very well gifted.  Good talent for understanding and reaction.  Physically tough and able to bear any burden.  Initiative and improvisational talents are present to a high degree.  Based on his military attitude and his personal values, he is promising for becoming a very good squadron commander.  No infantry experience.”  (Luftwaffe Efficiency and Promotion Reports for the Knight’s Cross Winners)

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On Tuesday, July 10, 1945, U.S. Army official executioner Master Sergeant John C. Woods hanged U.S. Army Private Tom E. Gordon at the Loire Disciplinary Training Center at Le Mans, France for the crime of murder.  (The Fifth Field: The Story of the 96 American Soldiers Sentenced to Death and Executed in Europe and North Africa in World War II)