The following newspaper article (dated 18.03.1943) describes why Langesee received the Oakleaves…
“New Oakleaves Holders in the East - Major Langesee and Oberleutnant Norman:
… In January 1943 Major Langesee led a counterthrust with his Bataillon that had the aim of relieving a Romanian Kampfgruppe that had been encircled by the enemy. Although he was personally enveloped by the enemy, he smashed through the foe in a ferocious battle and was able to reach another Bataillon of his Regiment. Now under his unified command, both Bataillone proceeded to hold off a much larger enemy force for three days and nights despite having no resupply of food/ammunition and no artillery support. During this time the enemy force enveloped and cut off the German Kampfgruppe from its rearward connections. When he received the order to break out, Major Langesee led both of his Bataillone through the enemy lines in a masterful set of withdrawal movements that were carried out without further friendly casualties. He and his men then defended their new position against the onslaught of a whole Soviet division for an entire week. In this latter battle the Bolsheviks lost over 1000 men dead.”
211th Award