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Wunberger, Karl-Heinz (Grenadier-Regiment 96)

Date of birth:
March 21st, 1914 (Salzwedel/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
March 16th, 1944 (North west of Nevel, Pskov - Russia)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Karl-Heinz Wunberger died of his wounds in a Lazarett in Riga in Latvia and was posthumously promoted to Major.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
Stabskompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 96, 32. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
December 1st, 1941
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:
Führer, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 96, 32. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
March 17th, 1944
The following newspaper article (dated 26.05.1944) describes why Wunberger received the Knight’s Cross…

“The Knight’s Cross After a Heroic Death:

During the bitter defensive battle northwest of Newel Hauptmann Karl-Heinz Wunberger (Bataillon commander in a Grenadier-Regiment) conducted 3 counterattacks in the sector of the left neighbouring unit in just a single day. He did this in order to push back strong Soviet forces that had penetrated friendly lines in that sector. This bold officer later died of a severe injury sustained in a subsequent display of brave devotion to duty. He has thus been posthumously awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross by the Führer.”

Awarded posthumously.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photo