Ritterkreuz / Knight's Cross Actions

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AlifRafikKhan
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Major der Landwehr Friedrich Kimmich of 342. Infanterie-Division

#121

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 07 Aug 2022, 16:32

Friedrich Kimmich (13 July 1890 - 20 October 1962) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 11 December 1942 as Major der Landwehr and Führer II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 554 / 342.Infanterie-Division. The following newspaper excerpt (dated 17 December 1942) describes why Kimmich received the Ritterkreuz: “Major der Landwehr Kimmich and his Grenadier-Bataillon stormed a strongly fortified and heavily defended enemy hill. Those determined Bolshevik counterattacks that followed were crushed in the face of the inspiring leadership of the commander and the bravery of his Grenadiers. This action took place in the central section of the Eastern front at the end of this past September.”

Sources ;
viewtopic.php?p=2422535#p2422535
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/796 ... nt-554.htm
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Friedrich Kimmich.jpg

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General der Infanterie Walter Graf von Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt of II. Armeekorps

#122

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 14 Aug 2022, 15:52

Walter Graf von Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt (13 July 1887 - 9 May 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 July 1941 as General der Infanterie and Kommandierender General II. Armeekorps. The following wartime excerpt describes why Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “On 24 June 1941 General der Infanterie Graf Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt, the commanding general of the II. Armee-Korps, decided to capture the Russian fortress of Kowno on this day under any circumstances. The capture of this fortress was of decisive importance for the continuation of operations in this area. On 27 and 28 June 1941 he went on to smash several Russian divisions northeast of Kowno over the course of uninterrupted heavy combat within very difficult terrain.”

Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt received the Eichenlaub #103 for his Ritterkreuz on 27 June 1942 as General der Infanterie and Kommandierender General II. Armeekorps. The following wartime excerpt describes why Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt was awarded the Eichenlaub: "“On 23 June 1942 General der Infanterie Graf Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt received the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for the brave steadfastness of his troops and for his own leadership abilities. This award serves as visible recognition for his soldiers’ honourable and heroic combat during the battle of Demyansk. The commanding general received this award for both the efforts of his 6 divisions as well as his own personal disposition. Graf Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt exuded confidence and firmness during all crisis situations, and in this capacity he served as a model for his soldiers. How often did his Grenadiers, Pioniere and Kanoniere see the ‘Fieseler-Storch’ of the General over their positions? And yet few knew that this officer suffered from severe rheumatic pain. He did not let his soldiers become aware that he had this disease, instead he only let them see only one thing: devotion to duty.”

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/285 ... Walter.htm
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General Count Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt, 1942.jpg


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Oberst Rudolf Lippert of 5. Panzer-Division

#123

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 21 Aug 2022, 05:40

Rudolf Lippert (29 October 1900 - 1 April 1945) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 June 1944 as Oberst and Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 31 / 5.Panzer-Division. On 12 April 1944 Oberst Lippert was subordinated to the LVI. Panzerkorps, and received the following mission:

“You are to fix and destroy the Russians Guards cavalry forces that have penetrated into the deep flank of the LVI. Panzerkorps along with the well-organized partisan forces in the area Sztun-Binduga-Kladniow (Bug) — Rude (Turja) —Turyczany area. You are to furthermore reestablish contact with Heeresgruppe Nordukraine.”

For this mission Lippert was given a Kampfgruppe consisting of the following elements: Stab Pz.Rgt. 31, 7./Pz.Rgt. 31, 2./Art.Rgt. 116, 2./Art.Rgt. 637 (Mörser), 3./StuG.Brig. 600, 53rd Hungarian infantry regiment and 26th Hungarian reconnaissance squadron.

Lippert split his Kampfgruppe into two groups and moved out. Already on 15 April 1944 the right Kampfgruppe was able to capture Binduga (on the Bug) and the left Kampfgruppe Wladynopol. This achievement was all the more remarkable due to the difficult terrain and destroyed infrastructure in the area.

On the next day Mosur was taken as well as Stawki (the latter with the Ski-Jäg.Brig. 1). Terrain difficulties and Soviet obstacles continued to hinder the Kampfgruppe on this day and the next, and much bitter fighting ensued. By the evening of 17 April 1944 a total of 350-400 Soviet dead were counted, while the German losses were 46 dead and 97 wounded on this day. An alarm Bataillon of the II./I.R. 698 and a reinforced Batterie of the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 185 was attached to the Kampfgruppe on the following day.

On 20 April 1944 contact was established with the right neighbour, namely elements of the 214. Infanterie-Division, in Zablocie. With this the gap to the 4. Panzer-Armee (Heeresgruppe Nordukraine) was finally closed. Fighting continued until 24 April 1944 with cut-off Soviet partisans and cavalry, however without enough weapons they were unable to resist in the open for long.

By the time the Kampfgruppe was disbanded on 25 April 1944 it had captured or destroyed the following enemy men/materiel in the time period 12-24 April 1944:

466 prisoners
26 artillery pieces
12 anti-tank guns
16 anti-tank rifles
19 mortars
69 MGs
17 machine-pistols
54 rifles
202 horse-drawn wagons
Several hundred horses
Large quantities of ammunition
A field hospital.

Oberst Lippert would subsequently receive the Ritterkreuz for this important operational achievement.



Source :
https://ca.super-hobby.com/zdjecia/5/3/ ... 026_13.jpg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/694 ... t-Rolf.htm
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Rudolf Lippert.jpg

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Hauptmann Helmut Schmischke of 36. Infanterie-Division

#124

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 27 Aug 2022, 13:45

Helmut Schmischke (30 September 1915 - 18 June 1999) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 22 July 1943 as Hauptmann and Kommandeur Pionier-Bataillon 36 (motorisiert) / 36.Infanterie-Division. During the battle for the Orel salient in July 1943, Hauptmann Schmischke, his Bataillon and an attached Abteilung of Sturmgeschütze were sent to counterattack a group of Soviet tanks and infantry that had broken through the German lines to a depth of 5 kilometres. Their effort was successful, and the Germans not only succeeded in destroying 30 Soviet tanks but also managed to take back the high ground at Shelyabug and the old main line of defense. This position was held until the Soviet was finally able to overrun it through overwhelming employment of artillery and tanks. Schmischke, already wounded several times, and his weak Bataillon eventually became encircled by the Soviets. However their resistance had tied down significant Soviet forces, which in turn permitted friendly forces to construct a new main line of defense. With great effort, Schmischke was able to lead his Bataillon through the hostile ring and reach friendly lines. For his Bataillon’s outstanding performance during this battle, Schmischke would receive the Ritterkreuz shortly afterwards.

Source :
viewtopic.php?p=2426080#p2426080
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/178 ... Helmut.htm
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Helmut Schmischke.jpg

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Hauptmann Heinrich Brücker of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 (StG 2) "Immelmann"

#125

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 01 Sep 2022, 16:00

Heinrich Brücker (5 May 1913 - 14 June 1984) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 22 June 1941 as Hauptmann and Kommandeur III.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 (StG 2) "Immelmann". The medal was awarded for his personal flying and command achievements over the course of 100+ sorties until that time. He and his Gruppe particularly distinguished themselves in the time period of 15 May 1940 - 22 July 1941 during the fight at the Rupel passage and in anti-shipping operations. The unit was credited with sinking 125,000 GRT of supply ships and damaging another 70,000 during this time. The Gruppe had also participated in the sinking of the British cruiser “HMS Gloucester” and the destroyer “Juno” around Crete.

Source :
viewtopic.php?p=2084423#p2084423
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/287 ... inrich.htm
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KC LW Legion Condor Heinrich Brücker.jpg

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Major Dr.jur. Dr.phil. Albrecht Lanz of 216. Infanterie-Division

#126

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 12 Sep 2022, 16:23

Dr.jur. Dr.phil. Albrecht Lanz (7 September 1891 - 27 January 1942) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 September 1940 as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 396 / 216.Infanterie-Division. It was noted in Die Wehrmacht in 1940, and an American military translation revealed the following: "Whilst the German forces were attacking Belgium, specifically during the crossing of the River Lys, around Theilt (potentially Thielt). The battalion was attempting to attack Gothem, a village, on the 24 May 1940, but beaten back. The battalion again tried on the 26 May through grain fields with limited visibility due to the grain, and under enemy fire, the attack was failing. Lanz organised the group and they attacked successfully, taking several enemies prisoner."

Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction- ... 49547DD952
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_Lanz
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Albrecht Lanz.jpg

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Oberfeldwebel Gerhard Hensel of 11. Panzer-Division

#127

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 28 Sep 2022, 17:05

Gerhard Hensel (24 May 1912 - 26 January 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 26 December 1941 as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 15 / 11.Panzer-Division. On 29 July 1941 Oberfeldwebel Hensel and his Zug clashed with double the number of enemy tanks near Manjokowka, with Hensel at the spearhead of his unit. Despite the loss of two of his own Panzers Hensel resolved to carry on the battle, and succeeded in eliminating 6 enemy medium tanks with his Panzer. As a result of this deed the march route for the continued advance of the Division was cleared and it could continue its movement without interruption. Hensel would be awarded the Ritterkreuz for this action.

Source :
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Hensel,_Gerhard
https://www.kometmilitaria.com/product- ... egiment-15
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/856 ... erhard.htm
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Gerhard_Hensel.jpg

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Oberfeldwebel Ernst Gaedckens of 30. Infanterie-Division

#128

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 09 Oct 2022, 04:52

Ernst Gaedckens (12 April 1914 - 16 December 1998) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 2 April 1943 as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 46 / 30.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Gaedckens received the Ritterkreuz: "Oberfeldwebel Ernst Gädckens received his Ritterkreuz on the 02.04.1943 for his achievements as a Zugführer in a Holstein Grenadier-Regiment. He distinguished himself by eliminating a strongly garrisoned Bolshevik strongpoint south of Lake Ilmen following bitter close combat. He himself was the one who proposed and masterfully executed the assault operation.”

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/865 ... -Ernst.htm
https://www.weitze.net/militaria/95/Weh ... 20895.html
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Ernst Gaedckens 3.jpg

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Oberleutnant Rudolf Toschka of 7. Flieger-Division

#129

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 13 Oct 2022, 16:03

Rudolf Toschka (26 September 1911 - 21 February 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 June 1941 as Oberleutnant in 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment 1 / 7.Flieger-Division. In the planning for the assault on Crete Toschka's Kompanie, consisting of 90 men in 9 gliders, had the mission of eliminating an anti-aircraft battery south of Chania. Toschka's Zug was to land right in the middle of the battery positions, but in the operation it overshot the landing zone and touched down in the middle of a hostile concentration. The Fallschirmjäger quickly dismounted and destroyed the two trucks carrying opposing troops, thereafter proceeding to the battery. They broke into the trench positions and were able to overcome the garrison in bitter close combat, during which Toschka was badly wounded. In spite of his injury however he was able to warn the Kompanie commander of a hostile MG position and thus save his life. As a result of these actions, Toschka received the Ritterkreuz.

Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File ... rkreuz.jpg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/675 ... Rudolf.htm
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Rudolf Toschka 2.jpg

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Generalleutnant Friedrich Materna of 45. Infanterie-Division

#130

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 17 Oct 2022, 16:02

Friedrich Materna (21 June 1885 - 11 November 1946) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 August 1940 as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 45. Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt (dated 30 August 1940) describes why Materna received the Ritterkreuz: "On 9 June 1940 Generalleutnant Materna led the major attack across the Aisne, Aisne Canal and Suippe rivers in the face of a tough and well-dug in enemy force. In this time he repeatedly led his armoured group forwards despite the intense enemy activity, and by doing so he enabled the Regiments of his Division to achieve a deep penetration into the enemy defenses by nightfall. Since communications to the forward units broke down during the course of the day, Generalleutnant Materna personally entered the foremost combat zone at the Aisne and directed the combat from there. The determined leadership and bold willpower of the divisional commander were crucial factors that brought about such important success on this first day of battle as well as in the two subsequent days.”

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/117 ... edrich.htm
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Ritterkreuzträger_Friedrich_Materna.jpg

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Re: Ritterkreuz / Knight's Cross Actions

#131

Post by Nectar » 19 Nov 2022, 08:31

Hauptfeldwebel Niemitz

Sources BAMA and NARA
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Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-219-0597-10,_Josef_Niemitz.jpg
01099.jpg

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Re: Ritterkreuz / Knight's Cross Actions

#132

Post by tigre » 19 Nov 2022, 14:48

Hello to all :D; another one...................................

Alfred Germer award ceremony.

VII Army Corps Order of the Day

The Fuhrer and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces has awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross to

Oberleutnant Germer
171stEngineer Battalion

‘With this brave act of the Assault Detachment Commander and his men find the highest recognition! VII Army Corps is proud of this, that this decoration was granted to one of ours. I express my heartiest best wishes Oberleutnant Germer, his exemplary assault detachment and all troops of the 71stInfantry Division who were involved.

Facsimile signature of von Schobert
General of Infantry

Source: https://london-medals.co.uk/germany-thi ... tom_price=
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384270637727

Cheers. Raúl M 8-).
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image022.jpg
Oberleutnant Alfred Germer (right) with General Schobert.....................
image022.jpg (57.13 KiB) Viewed 2015 times

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Gefreiter Stefan Mlinar of 4. Gebirgs-Division

#133

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 26 Nov 2022, 12:05

Stefan Mlinar (13 December 1915 - 3 February 1983) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 June 1944 as Gefreiter and Funktruppführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 / 4.Gebirgs-Division. Here follows a report by the Ia of the 4. Gebirgs-Division which describes why Stefan Mlinar would receive the Ritterkreuz:

“Heroic deed of a radio operator:

On the dark night of 03-04 March 1944 the Bolsheviks succeeded in penetrating the line held by the left wing of the 2. Kompanie of a Gebirgsjäger-Bataillon (located along the road Ryschanowka—Olchowez) in company strength. As a result of the knee deep mud and incessant rain the German MGs were completely silted up and could not fire. The Bolsheviks succeeded in penetrating through the German trenches near a heavy machine-gun squad that was tasked with protecting the gap between two Bataillone.

The commander of 2. Kompanie resolutely decided to launch a counterattack with parts of his Kompanie staff and the reserve squad. In the meantime Gefreiter Mlinar stayed behind as a radio troop leader at the command post, with the role of maintaining uninterrupted radio contact with the Bataillon. In the muddy trenches the counterattack group could only make slow progress. Suddenly shots rang out in the trenches behind the Kompanie command post.

With a clear understanding of the thorny situation, in this moment Mlinar acted no longer as a communication specialist, but like an experienced combat trooper. With unstoppable energy he rallied his radio operator and messenger and on his own initiative stormed into the trenches behind the command post with his 2 comrades, with machine-pistol, rifle and grenade in hand. Knee deep in the mud, he pushed forward in the twilight 50 meters towards the enemy who had made it here. After his first grenades detonated he sprang forth without hesitation in an incomparable defiance of death. Screaming “Hurra”, he killed 6 Bolsheviks in close combat with his MP and took 3 prisoners. Behind him his radio operator died a hero’s death while fighting in a hand grenade duel. Capitalizing on his success, Mlinar continued to storm forth alone through the waterlogged trenches with only 10 rounds in his magazine, again screaming “Hurra”. Through this fearless display of ferocity he put the totally surprised Bolshevik Kompanie to flight. The enemy left behind 4 light machine guns, 14 sub-machine guns and several rifles.

Gefreiter Mlinar thus prevented an imminent Bolshevik penetration at the seam between two Bataillone through his independent resolve, personal readiness for duty and fearless attitude.

For this deed Gefreiter Mlinar, hailing from Judendorf (Kreis Loeben, Steiermark), became the 23rd man of the 4. Gebirgs-Division to receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/849 ... Stefan.htm
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Stefan Mlinar.jpg

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Günter Goebel of 79. Infanterie-Division

#134

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 03 Dec 2022, 11:39

Günter Goebel (14 November 1917 - 4 September 1993) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 October 1941 as Adjutant Infanterie-Regiment 208 / 79.Infanterie-Division. On 14 September 1941 Oberleutnant Goebel made the independent decision to take command of a Radfahr-Bataillon that was temporary leaderless. By doing this, and continuing an attack with this unit immediately afterwards, it was possible to push the enemy back and win a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time. On the very next day Goebel launched another bold attack that stormed a Soviet airfield. In the process a number of aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Along with this success an enemy army-level depot was also captured undamaged. For the sum of his achievements during this time Goebel would receive the Ritterkreuz.

Goebel received the Eichenlaub #180 for his Ritterkreuz on 18 January 1943 as Hauptmann and Führer Kampfgruppe Goebbel / 79.Infanterie-Division. On 17 December 1942 Hauptmann Goebel commanded a Kampfgruppe in the area of the 384. Infanterie-Division, specifically near Nishnij-Tschirskaja (along the Chir river). Starting on this day Goebel would hold his assigned bridgehead for weeks, up until 1 January 1943. By this action he played a major role in holding the Soviets along the Chir river and preventing them from immediately advancing further towards the west and southwest. He would receive the Eichenlaub in recognition of this accomplishment.

Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction- ... 2E347D696E
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/299 ... BCnter.htm
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Gunter Goebel.jpg

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Unteroffizier Eduard Wintershoff of 8. Infanterie-Division

#135

Post by AlifRafikKhan » 08 Dec 2022, 15:10

Eduard Wintershoff (25 November 1921 - 18 January 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 25 August 1942 as Unteroffizier and Geschützführer in 2.Kompanie / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 8 / 8.Infanterie-Division. The following newspaper excerpt (dated 7 September 1942) describes why Wintershoff received the Ritterkreuz: "Unteroffizier Eduard Wintershoff… eliminated 8 Bolshevik tanks within 24 hours whilst conducting defensive combat against heavy enemy attacks in the northern sector of the Eastern front during the middle of August. Although he was wounded in this action he continued to operate the gun alone after his fellow Panzerjäger had become casualties. The bravery he displayed here in the face of strong enemy fire significantly contributed to the successful defense.”

Source :
viewtopic.php?p=2444598#p2444598
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/351 ... Eduard.htm
Attachments
eduard wintershoff.jpg

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