Leo Leixner

• Birth Name — Leopold Leixner • Born — 26 March 1908 • Died — 14 August 1942 • Birthplace — Thörl-Maglern, Duchy of Carinthia, Austria-Hungary • Place of death — Krasnodar/Kuban, RSFSR, USSR • Allegiance — Nazi Germany • Rank — Wachtmeister • Branch — Army • Battles — World War II • Awards — Iron Cross First Class • Relations — Marga Käthe Leixner (née Gambalis- Altmann)

Leo Leixner, a schoolteacher's son, was born in Thörl-Maglern, Austria, on March 26, 1908, and graduated in 1918 from the German National Real Gymnasium in Villach. He studied German Literature at the University of Graz and received his Doctor of Philosophy in 1932, with a dissertation entitled Mohammed in German Poetry.

After 1933, Leixner wrote for Der Angriff newspaper, and was assigned to the Vienna office. He also wrote for the Völkischer Beobachter and other Nazi publications. On August 22, 1939, Leixner volunteered for the Wehrmacht. His most popular book was the illustrated From Lemberg to Bordeaux: Front Experiences of a War Reporter (1941).

Leixner was killed on 14 August 1942 in Krasnodar-Kuban (Russia). He was shot through the head while crossing the Kuban River in an inflatable boat. He was awarded an Iron Cross First Class on the day of his death.

Leo Leixner is recorded as having received Iron Cross, 1st class, Iron Cross, 2nd class and Anschluss Medal. Recorded at birth as Leopold Leixner.