Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

11. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 453, 253.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

January 6th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Zugführer, II. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 453, 253.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

April 18th, 1942

Received for an action at Popowo on November 12th, 1941.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberwachtmeister

Unit:

Zugführer, 2. Kompanie, Heeres Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 341, Heerestruppe

Awarded on:

April 24th, 1945

At the end of February 1945 the hard-fought 59. Infanterie-Division was tasked with defending the Wevelinghoven-Grevenbroich sector against US forces that were trying to advance towards Cologne. In order to reinforce the Division’s line, held only as a chain of strongpoints, the LXXXI. Armee-Korps dispatched a Zug of Sturmgeschütze commanded by Oberwachtmeister Feldkamp to the Division.

The US attack initially had difficulty, but soon was pushing back the German defenders. Their spearhead approached Elsen, a city district of Grevenbroicher. A breakthrough here would find nothing blocking its way to Cologne and simultaneously cut off the LXXXI. Armee-Korps from its retreat. However as they entered Elsen the US armour encountered the Sturmgeschütze of Oberwachtmeister Feldkamp, and were brought to a definite halt. Feldkamp’s Sturmgeschütz alone destroyed 10 US tanks (bringing his total of tanks destroyed to 12).

The result of this engagement was that the US troops pulled back. It also gave new hope to the German infantry, and they reoccupied their old positions. Most importantly, the attempted US breakthrough to Cologne was prevented. Oberwachtmeister Feldkamp would receive the Knight’s Cross for his actions here.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)