Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann

Unit:

II./Füsilier-Regiment "GD"

Awarded on:

May 13th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Führer-Grenadier-Brigade, Heer

Awarded on:

December 12th, 1944

Awarded for his actions during the fighting around Gumbinnen in October 1944. Following successful German counterattacks west of Daken, the Soviets began to withdraw from the area. On the 22.10.1944 the Pz.Füs.Btl./FGB (under the command of Major Lehnhoff) was almost completely encircled while at the tip of its deep penetration. The Panzer-Abteilung of the Brigade was fully engaged with Soviet armour and could not support the Panzergrenadiers.

Nonetheless elements of the Bataillon under Lehnhoff’s leadership were able to continue their advance to Groß-Tellerode, and thereafter the bridge over the Rominte river. With this move Lehnhoff and his men assumed control of the Soviet retreat route over the river. The Soviets thus tried desperately to free open the bridge and escape, attacking with infantry and tanks. However they were unable to take the bridge, and the numerous Soviet attacks were thrown back or destroyed in close combat. 30 Soviet tanks eventually lay destroyed in the sector of Lehnhoff and his Bataillon, and the bridge remained in German hands.

Lehnhoff and his men thus played a major part in the successful conclusion of the fighting around Daken and Großwaltersdorf in the time period 20-23.10.1944. For his actions here Lehnhoff would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.