Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer 3./Panzer-Abteilung 18

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1943

The following press article describes the Knight’s Cross actions of Oberfeldwebel Hefter…

“At the end of July 1943 Oberfeldwebel Hefter and his Saxonian Panzer-Zug were deployed in the Orel area, specifically for the support of friendly infantry in their defense against breakthrough attempts by strong Soviet forces. From the position he had personally reconnoitred, he was able to repel the repeated attacks of enemy AFVs with his handful of Panzers. Under heavy fire his Zug fearlessly held its ground, destroying 14 of the attacking Soviet tanks. This defensive success was above all thanks to the bravery and skillful leadership of the Oberfeldwebel himself, who was badly wounded as night fell. He did not live to see himself receive the Knight’s Cross for his heroic and decisive conduct of the battle.”

Awarded posthumously.