Weddig, Ernst Karl Heinrich

Date of birth:: February 24th, 1911 (Halberstadt/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:: March 8th, 1943 (Schtscherbatowo/Russia, Soviet Union)
Mentioned on:: German War Cemetery Kursk - Besedino
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Oberleutnant.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:: Führer 4. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 101, 18. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: April 20th, 1943

Awarded for actions on the 07.03.1943, during the defensive fighting around Orel. On this day the Soviets attacked the German line at the Ssaburovo orchard at 02:30. They captured the position and shattered the German defending force. The German regimental commander then ordered the 3./Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 98 to recapture the orchard.
As this unfolded Leutnant Weddig, of 4./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 101, collected the remnants of 2. Kompanie and attached himself to the counterattacking Panzer Pionier Kompanie. He and his men then proceeded to retake the Ssaburovo church, orchard and cemetery. In the process he and his troops took 80 prisoners. However he was killed the next day, and thus was given the Knight's Cross posthumously.