Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 58 / 6. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

October 4th, 1942

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

“Oberst Furbach has commanded the Infanterie-Regiment 58 since the start of May. He has previously distinguished himself in his defensive sector up until the middle of July through clear and deliberate leadership.

On the 31.07.1942 his Regiment was transferred via rail from its rest area at Ssytschewka to the breakthrough position north of Rzhev as the first unit of the Division to arrive. He was not inconsiderably wounded during an immediate attack that succeeded in bringing the frontline back into our hands.

Positioned at the hotspot of the Rzhev defensive battle, Oberst Furbach and his Regiment have stood their ground over the course of the extremely difficult fighting. Up to the present day it has held its position against a much superior enemy, wherein Oberst Furbach himself has always led from the foremost line in an exemplary fashion.

The Infanterie-Regiment 58 was named in the Wehrmachtbericht of the 19.08.1942 for particularly distinguishing itself in the defensive combat around Rzhev.

Oberst Furbach would remain with his men even after receiving another major wound, one that saw him receive about 15 shell splinters to the face after an artillery round directly struck a mine-loaded truck. The entire Regiment venerates their commander, who has proved himself outstandingly in these heavy battles.”

To this was added a supplement by General der Infanterie Bieler of the VI. Armee-Korps…

“Oberst Furbach has made a lasting contribution to the defense of Rzhev, a city which Stalin decreed had to be taken at any cost.

From the 31.07.1942 until his unit’s removal from the line on the 04.09.1942, he held a decisive spot with his Regiment with unbelievable toughness and bravery against major, uninterrupted enemy attacks backed up by strong artillery and air support. Thanks to this the city was held.”