Dieter was born in the town of Meissen into a wealthy family that consisted of his mother Sofie, father Hugo and older brother, Hendrik. Even when the boys were very young, it was evident they were very different from each other. Where as Hendrik was thoughtful, obedient and quiet, Dieter was always running around and stirring up some kind of trouble. Now Dieter could find some sense and meaning to being in the army and naturally the proud Fatherland greatly needed all of it's soldiers. In 1937 at the age of 23, Dieter joined the fight for his homeland and for the Führer.