Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier

Unit:

2./Panzer-Regiment "GD"

Awarded on:

September 29th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

Panzerkommandant 2./Panzer-Regiment "Großdeutschland"

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1944

Unteroffizier Larsen, commander of a Panzer V tank, played a key role in the battles of the I./Panzer-Regiment “Großdeutschland” in East Prussia during the time period 04-15.10.1944. In that time the battalion was subordinated to the 6. Panzer-Division. He was instrumental in helping to seal off a Soviet penetration on the 06.10.1944, thereby preventing them from breaking through to the Rozan-Ostenburg road. Later, on the 09.10.1944, he stalked a heavy Soviet assault gun and destroyed it from a range of 100 meters.

During these 11 days of battle Larsen destroyed a total of 14 Soviet AFVs, by which he increased his total of destroyed enemy armour to 66. For his achievements as one of the most experienced and successful tank commanders of the whole Panzer-Regiment “Großdeutschland”, he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.