Rankin Fite in April 1944 and remained in that assignment until the early June that year, when he was transferred to Norway as new commander of 199. Infanterie-Division. His new unit with headquarters in Narvik was mostly used for the defense of the Norwegian coast against possible invasion, but as the war progressed, his division was transferred to Denmark in April 1945. Luz tried to retreat with his division to the West and surrender to the U.S. forces instead of Soviets. He contacted the headquarters of 84th Infantry Division at Havelberg and tried to negotiate to surrender of whole division. Unfortunatelly 	Helwig Luz
27448392	his men were still some distance from Elbe river and was held up by other German units ahead of it. The parts of the division managed to surrender to Americans at Havelberg, while rest was forced to surrender to Soviets near Brandenburg an der Havel. Luz himself was captured by Americans and transported to the United States. Postwar life. Luz was interned in Camp Mexia, Texas for two years, before he was release in mid 1947. He then settled in Krün, Bavaria, where he died on April 28, 1980, aged 87. His second son also was killed in action. Helwig 	Helwig Luz
27448393	Rankin Fite Rankin Fite Ernest Rankin Fite (September 1, 1916 – November 6, 1980) was an Alabama state legislator and attorney. Biography. Fite was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Ernest Baxter and Minnie Watt Fite. His grandfather, Bloomer Rankin Fite, established a firm and practiced law in the Hamilton, Alabama area in the 1880s, with four of his sons, including Ernest Rankin's father. Ernest Baxter Fite also served in the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate for Marion County, Alabama. Fite graduated from the University of Alabama with a LL.B degree in 1939 and joined his family firm after being admitted 	Rankin Fite
27448394	to the bar. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant for World War II where he went overseas to fly as a navigator. After the war, he returned to law practice in 1945. He was elected to the Alabama Senate in 1946 and served as a floor leader. He ran successfully for the House of Representatives in 1950 and served five consecutive terms there, serving as speaker on two occasions. While serving in the house and senate, Fite also served as bank director for the Bank of Hackleburg and president of the Marion County Banking Company. During his time in 	Rankin Fite
27448395	the house, he sought improvements to his hometown of Hamilton, revamping streets and sewer systems. On February 16, 1968, Fite, then Speaker of the House, placed the ceremonial first 9-1-1 call from the town of Haleyville. The emergency system had been rushed into service by the Alabama Telephone Company in an effort to show the innovative prowess of the independent telephone industry. Fite's call was answered by then-Congressman Tom Bevill. He retired from politics in 1974 due to failing health, having suffered from Parkinson's disease prior to retiring. He died of a heart attack in 	Rankin Fite
27448396	1980. He was married in 1941 to Ruby Alene Morris with whom he had one son, Ernest Adams. Upon his death in 1980, Fite was described as one of the most masterful members of the state legislature". Former governor George C. Wallace commented that "[today was] truly a sad day, as we experience the loss of a man who in legislative circles had already become a legend". Rankin Fite Ernest Rankin Fite (September 1, 1916 – November 6, 1980) was an Alabama state legislator and attorney. Biography. Fite was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Ernest Baxter and Minnie Watt Fite. His