Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Awarded on:

1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Awarded on:

1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Awarded on:

July 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Awarded on:

July 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmbannführer der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, III. Bataillon, SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 11, 1.. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division 'Nordland'

Awarded on:

March 29th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmbannführer der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur, III. Abteilung, SS-Freiwillige-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 11, 11. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division "Nordland"

Awarded on:

December 26th, 1944

Potschka’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“SS-Sturmbannführer Potschka (commander of the III./SS-Pz.Art.Rgt. 11) especially distinguished himself in the defensive fighting near Preekuln during the time period 27.-29.10.1944.

His contribution to the defense against the Russian attack on the 27.10.1944 was particularly noteworthy.

After their preparatory fire had been conducted it became clear that the focal point of the enemy attack on this day was along the Preekuln—Veinode road. As the enemy penetrated the defenses to the north and south of the road and continued to gain ground to the west, Sturmbannführer Potschka drove to the break-in area at 11:00 in order to personally orchestrate the fire of his Abteilung. The enemy had by now already penetrated to a depth of 2.5 km (even as far as 3 km further north of the road). They had already advanced along the railroad line with 200 men in a westerly direction, bypassing our strongpoint at Gegeri. Another 100 men and 2 tanks were following up behind them. North of the road the enemy had reached Vistini with the support of 3 tanks.

Sturmbannführer Potschka led the observation team of 8. Batterie (which had already partially withdrawn to the west) back to its old post. Then, while ruthlessly devoting himself to the action, he directed the fire of his Abteilung with such effectiveness that the two attacks of 100 and 150 men were smashed. The thrust along the railway line was halted, as it could no longer be supported by follow-on forces. The infantry that were retreating before the enemy thus had the opportunity to form an blocking position. The breakthrough of the enemy was halted.

Thus, in this way, Sturmbannführer Potschka decisively intervened at the hotspot of the Division’s sector on the 27.10.1944 with initiative and ruthless devotion to duty. His actions played a major role in preventing an enemy breakthrough towards Preekuln and the loss of its important road junction, which in turn was crucial in enabling the successful defense of the Preekuln area in the days that followed.

Sturmbannführer Potschka has been constantly present in the fighting in the East since the campaign began (with the exception of one 9-month interlude), and up until now he has shown himself to be a brave, decisive and passionate officer. On the 14.08.1941 he was awarded the Iron Cross First Class as a Batterie officer for the successful defense against a Russian infantry attack against his position. On the 29.03.1944, as an Abteilung commander, he was decorated with the German Cross in Gold for his brave actions during the Russian winter offensive from the Oranienbaum front to the Narwa front as well as during the defensive battles along the Narwa front itself.”