Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 40, 24. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

July 2nd, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 40, 24. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 2nd, 1944

In late July 1944 Kampfgruppe Kahle (comprised of the reinforced Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 40) was ordered to move to Reichshof in order to guard the bridge at Wislok long enough for the bulk of the 24. Panzer-Division as well as other German formations to cross. However Soviet attacking spearheads had advanced ahead of these friendly formations towards Kahle and his Kampfgruppe, and in response Kahle rallied all available forces and launched a counterattack of his own initiative that pushed the Soviets back. He then went over to the defense.

In heavy defensive battles that followed the Pionieren, under the command of Hauptmann Kahle, were able to hold open the crossing site long enough for the rearguards of the Division to cross over. Thus the possible destruction of the bulk of the 24. Panzer-Division as well as a Soviet breakthrough to the Vistula was averted. Kahle would receive the Knight’s Cross for this action.