Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 23, 23. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 11th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21, 24. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

August 27th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 31st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 23rd, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21

Awarded on:

May 11th, 1945

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

“On the 26.03.1945 the remnants of the 24. Panzer-Division, along with the 14. and 21. Infanterie-Divisionen, were deployed to defend against Russian attacks northeast of Rosenberg between the Frischen Haff and the railway north of Gut Bregden. Due to the constant bombardment by weapons of all kinds, as well as the accumulation of weeks of growing Russian superiority, the fighting morale of our soldiers was in perpetual wane at this time. It was only thanks to the efforts of the officer in question that this position was held. He demonstrated the highest devotion to duty and energy during this time, and this conduct had a major influence on the ever shrinking numbers of friendly troops.

When this defensive front cracked under the ever growing enemy pressure, Oberst von Einem took over the leadership of the remains of both neighbouring divisions on his own initiative. Despite the desperate situation he remained calm. He stabilized the wavering front, led the men forwards in a counterattack once more, captured the hill located 800 metres west of Gut Bregden (a place of vital importance for the whole sector) and held the newly reached position between the Haff and the railroad line despite the ceaseless artillery fire and multiple Russian attacks. Through this intervention Oberst von Einem prevented the Russian breakthrough towards Follendorf (the loss of which would have led to the destruction of the entire bridgehead).

In light of this combat situation during the last days of the fighting in the Kahlholz bridgehead, a time in which Oberst von Einem went far beyond his call of duty as an officer through the decisive action that he rendered, I hold him as totally worthy of receiving the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross. Einem has continuously distinguished himself as both a skillful commander and exceptionally brave soldier since taking over command of the Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21 in March 1944. He was wounded on the 26.03.1945.”


Unofficial award.