- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Major
- Unit:
- Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment (motorisiert) 119, 25. Panzergrenadier-Division, Heer
- Awarded on:
- November 28th, 1943
Major Nagengast commanded the II./Grenadier-Regiment 119 (mot) during the defensive combat on the central sector of the Eastern front near the end of September 1943. In this time he and his Bataillon defended a bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Wereja river at Bajewo. By holding this bridgehead the Bataillon succeeded in enabling numerous German units and vehicles (including some that didn’t belong to the Division) to retreat behind the Panther Line. This crossing was the only such point in the area, and as such the Soviets tried hard to crush it. However the defenders likewise put up bitter resistance from only makeshift battle positions until they were themselves pulled back across the Wereja river at 20:00 on the 29.09.1943.
Major Nagengast was awarded the Knight’s Cross for successfully holding this bridgehead. He had also distinguished himself in numerous crisis situations that had taken place before.