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Ebner, Adam (Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 137)

Date of birth:
December 24th, 1911 (Eben-Schattbach, Austria)
Date of death:
October 17th, 1975 (Eben im Pongau, Austria)
Nationality:
Austrian (1938-1945, Reichsgau)

Biography

Adam Ebner finally reached the rank of Leutnant.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)
Unit:
Zugführer, 3. Kompanie, Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 137, 2. Gebirgs-Division
Awarded on:
November 19th, 1941
The following regimental order of the day, dated 25.11.1941, describes why Ebner would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“The Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Oberfeldwebel Adam Ebner, Zugführer in the 3./Geb.Jg.Rgt. 137.

On the 29.06.1941, as a Zugführer, Oberfeldwebel Ebner prevented the demolition of the Titowa bridge despite the strong enemy fire. In doing so he created the necessary conditions for the later capture of the bridge and the continued successful attack of the Regiment. The next day he would be badly wounded during another advance.

Having barely healed from his injuries, Ebner returned to the Kompanie and went on to particularly distinguish himself during the capture of Hill 262.2. Through his personal intervention he eliminated a major flank threat to the Bataillon.

When the machine-gunner fell out he personally took over the machine-gun and successfully prosecuted the firefight until further reinforcements had arrived. During an operation against the Steinplattenhöhe he carried out a particularly valuable patrol operation despite the presence of a strong enemy garrison. He was heavily wounded for the second time in close combat, and has been in the hospital ever since.

Oberfeldwebel Ebner is a practical, soldierly type of man who has previously distinguished himself at Narvik while serving with the Fallschirm-Gebirgsjäger-Kompanie. During this battle he took over the duties of the fallen Kompanie commander and went on to significantly contribute to the battlefield success here.

On behalf of the entire Regiment, I give my utmost recognition to Oberfeldwebel Ebner for receiving this high honour. We are proud to know that we have a holder of the highest medal for bravery within our ranks.”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

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