Born in 1909, Dörner soon reminded his superiors of his true potential, winning both Iron Crosses in the Battle of France as a company commander. Promoted to Major and commander of II./Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2, he and his battalion soon established a reputation within the Army Group North as a crack unit. During one of the numerous combat patrols the battalion managed to smash the Russian frontline and destroy 53 bunkers in 3 hours with minimal losses. The first recognition of his achievements came in December 1941 when he received the German Cross in Gold.
In early 1942 Army Group North sent the battalion to Wolchow to counter the Russian breakthrough there (2nd Army - Andrey Vlasov). Deceiving Russians of his real strength by constant attacks he managed to stop the breakthrough of Wlassow's 2nd Army and thus helped considerably in its encirclement and destruction.
Dörner stayed with the Polizei division (from 1943 named KG Polizei division) until late 1943. After some earned holidays he returned to the division which was reforming in Greece and becoming the commander of SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt.8. When Karl Schümers (divisional commander) was killed in a partisan ambush, Helmut took over the command until the arrival of the new commander.
During the siege of Budapest, he became the commander of a mixed KG and died while leading the breakthrough attempt.
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