Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wachtmeister

Unit:

Geschützführer, 1. Batterie, I. Abteilung, Flak-Regiment 49, Flak-Regiment 37, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

October 12th, 1942

The following press excerpt (dated 19.10.1942) describes why Gemünden would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Knight’s Cross for Wachtmeister Gemünden - 21 tanks destroyed in 20 minutes:

The Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Wachtmeister Gemünden, gun commander in a Flak regiment, at the recommendation of the supreme commander of the Luftwaffe, Reichsmarschall Göring.

Wachtmeister Otto Gemünden, born on the 30.05.1914 in Oberingelheim, distinguished himself through outstanding bravery on the 30.09.1942 during the defense against a heavy enemy armoured attack launched against the lines north of Stalingrad. Through skillful tactical acumen, and while fully utilizing the firepower of his gun, he destroyed 21 enemy tanks in just 20 minutes with 35 rounds. 10 of these were of the heavy American type.”

After 3 men had been killed and 4 heavily wounded from his gun crew, Gemünden himself destroyed the last 3 tanks despite being wounded.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)