Plattling


Plattling is a town in the district of Deggendorf, in Bavaria, Germany.
The town is situated on the river Isar, 9 km southwest of Deggendorf, just before the river enters the Danube. Near the city-center in the river there are a wave/hole which is one of Europe's best play spots for freestyle kayaking. In 2011 the ICF world championship in freestyle kayak were held there.
Around the time of World War II, the regions around Plattling became a conservative base of Nazi support, producing top-ranking SS officers like Leo Grasmeier and Heinrich Himmler. Until 1993 both Heinrich Himmler and Adolf Hitler earned places on Plattling's list of 20 Honorable Citizens.

Plattling concentration camp

During World War II, a subcamp of Flossenbürg concentration camp was located at Plattling.
On 26 April 1945, concentrated fire from small arms and automatic weapons pinned down K Company of Major General Stanley Eric Reinhart's 260th Infantry Regiment as it entered Plattling. First Lieutenant David Ewing Ott from 868th Field Artillery Battalion, a future Lieutenant General, served as attached forward artillery observer. Because of his exceedingly precise fire direction, three small bursts silenced the enemy. Under hostile observation, Ott preceded the most forward elements by 1,000 yards to direct artillery fire from a high ridge. It resulted in 150 enemy casualties, and the surrender of a German infantry platoon.
On 1 May 2011, the city of Plattling hosted veterans of the 65th Infantry Division, the retired Brigadier General Stanley Eric Reinhard, Jr., and relatives. The delegation joined local representatives for the dedication of a Memorial Marker to the Division's humanitarian assistance provided to survivors of the Plattling concentration camp. Mayor Erich Schmid and members of the city council welcomed the Americans at St. Jacob Cemetery.

Sons and daughters of the city