Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Führer II. / Infanterie-Regiment 60 (motorisiert)

Awarded on:

March 19th, 1942

Otto Lindner had already distinguished himself during the Battle of France when he successfully stormed the massif of Mount Damion with his Kompanie. His greatest achievements however would come during the winter of 1941/42.

During this time the Soviets launched multiple attacks with Guards formations, tanks and artillery against the 16. Infanterie-Division (mot), which was in position east of Kursk. On one occasion they succeeded in breaking through the German lines at one point, and they proceeded to cut off the Division’s only supply road. At the time the majority of the II./Infanterie-Regiment 60 (mot) was in a rest area under the command of Major Lindner.

Recognizing the magnitude of the situation, Lindner immediately launched a counterattack with his weak unit, while being aware of the fact that no time for reconnaissance could be spared. At the head of his Bataillon he pushed the Soviets back from the supply road and, with the support of artillery and Pak, he pursued the Soviets and retook a commanding hill that had been previously lost during the Soviet penetration.

Meanwhile however another hostile Regiment (about 400-500 men strong) began its move under the cover of the approaching darkness, penetrating into a village that was key to the German defense. Major Lindner created an ad-hoc defensive line along a creek that ran through the village with some stragglers from other units as well as the men of his staff, and thereby prevented the full occupation of the village by the Soviets. By the early morning hours of the next day the Germans had been able to assemble Lindner’s whole Bataillon in the village. With his whole Bataillon now at hand Lindner retook the parts of the village which had been lost and put the Soviets here to flight while inflicting heavy losses. Major Lindner and his Bataillon pursued them and were able to fully reoccupy the old German line.

For his prevention of a dangerous Soviet breakthrough here, and thereafter restoring the frontline situation to its previous state, Lindner would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Grenadier-Regiment 53

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)