Heinrich, Willi

Date of birth:: October 11th, 1914 (Nonnendorf/Jüterborg, Germany)
Date of death:: June 20th, 1990 (Wiesbaden, Germany)
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
x?: Oberfeldwebel;
x?: Leutnant;
November 11, 1944: Oberleutnant (299b).

Career:
x?: Pz.Rgt. 4;
July 5th, 1944: Pz.Ers.Abt. 4;
October 27th, 1944: Fhr.Gren.Brigade.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:: Führer, 9. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Führer-Grenadier-Brigade, Heer
Awarded on:: December 9th, 1944

On the 21.10.1944 a strong Soviet tank force advanced towards Gumbinnen (East Prussia). In response Leutnant Heinrich decided to lead his 1./Panzerabteilung FGB (equipped with Panthers) in a flanking thrust against the hostile tank formation.

The ensuing battle took place near Groß-Tellerode (just south of Großwaltersdorf), with Heinrich’s Panzers pitted against IS-2 tanks. Despite the much more powerful Soviet armour and weaponry, Heinrich and his Panthers were able to score a tactical victory after much effort. They destroyed almost a dozen Soviet tanks and forced the rest to pull back. In recognition of this achievement Heinrich would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.