Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Chef, 2. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon 28, 28. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 29th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Chef, 2. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon 28, 28. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

November 1st, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 2. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon 28, 28. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 25th, 1940

Mentioning:
"In the fighting in the area of Maubeuge, the commander of an infantry regiment, Colonel Jordan and the lieutenant in a pioneer battalion, Langenstraß, distinguished themselves by showing exceptional bravery."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 2. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon 28, 28. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

June 5th, 1940

During the Battle of France, the last fortress left standing in the ring of fortifications around Maubeuge was the Fort Sart, which was within range of the strategically important Brussels-Paris road. Initially held by 7 officers and 100 men, it would be reinforced by troops from the other fallen forts.

On the 22.05.1940 German troops of the 28. Infanterie-Division launched an attack on the fort at 16:00. Though they managed to get through the first and second layers of barbed wire, they got pinned down before the last one as a result of the heavy French defensive fire. With no prospect of success without stronger artillery support, they pulled back to their assembly areas at 20:00.

The next day, after strong artillery preparation, the attack recommenced at 10:00. By 11:00 the German assault teams had reached the armoured cupolas of the fort. Here Pioniers led by Oberleutnant Langenstraß began preparing the first cupola for demolition. Just as they were about to do so however the French garrison surrendered.

A total of 5 officers and about 150 men were taken prisoner. For his role in capturing this crucial fortification Langenstraß would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Ib, 11. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

July 28th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major im Generalstab (Major to the General Staff)

Unit:

Ia, 11. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 16th, 1943