Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 12th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 3rd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 6th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 20th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Volks-Pionier-Brigade 47, Heer

Awarded on:

May 9th, 1945

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

“Bataillon was deployed south of Trier on the Zerf—Trier road during the period 27.02.-01.03.1945. In this time it was involved in the fierce combat around Dreikopf—Pellingen. It was attacked by much larger hostile infantry and tank forces. Hauptmann Florschütz repeatedly launched counterthrusts with his men on his own initiative and thereby inflicted heavy losses in men and materiel on the enemy. 14 tanks were destroyed. Showing considerable bravery, he denied the enemy the direct road from Zerf to Trier for 36 hours and thereby enabled a new friendly frontline to be created at the Ruwer. The bravery and decisiveness he showed here was outstanding.”


Wilhelm Florschütz's nomination was received on 7-3-1945—according to the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses) on 29-3-1945—by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office). Major Joachim Domaschk approved the nomination but decided "postponed!" noting Heeresgruppe B, so according to AHA Ziff. 275 (Allgemeines Heeresamt — General Army Office). A presentation was never made. According to the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (OdR) the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.