Prüss, Walter (Gren.Reg.76)

Date of birth:: December 4th, 1911 (Harmsdorf/Schleswig-Holstein, German Empire)
Date of death:: November 13th, 2003 (Harmsdorf/Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

1935: Landespolizei Wesermünde und Altona
1936: 6. Kompanie - Infanterie-Regiment 47
12.10.1937: Unteroffizier, newly created Stab / 6. Kompanie - Infanterie-Regiment 76
1939: Gruppenführer - Campaign in Poland, awarded the EKII for the seizure with his section of the first bridge on the Bug River leading to the fortress of Brest-Litowsk
1940: Campaign in France as Gruppen- and Zugführer and awarded the EK I
06.1941: Campaign in Russia - Feldwebel - II./ Inf-Reg. 76
11.06.1942: Kompanie-Truppführer in the 6. Kompanie / Inf.Reg. 76 - awarded the DKiG for the defensive successes in the region of Nowgorod
Severely WIA and sent to the Ersatz-Bataillon
01.07.1944: returned to Russia as Leutnant and Kompanie-Führer in the 6./ Inf.Reg. 76 - 20. ID
15.09.1944: promoted to Oberleutnant and Kompanie-Chef - awarded the RK
30.01.1945: promoted to Hauptmann and Kompaniechef in the 8. / Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 76 - 20. Panzer-Grenadier-Division
WIA stayed in his unit and took over as deputy Kdr the command of the II. Bataillon / Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 76 - 20. Panzer-Grenadier-Division
03.1945: harsh fightings region Sorau / Sagan
23.03.1945: distinguished himself by counter-attacks against Russian forces, for which he was awarded the RK with Eichenlaub
04.1945: again WIA in the fighting for Berlin but was able to break through to the west and was taken prisoner by the Western Allies
05.1945: POW

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: November 7th, 1939

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: August 8th, 1940

Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)
Unit:: 6. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) 76, 20. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert), Heer
Awarded on:: June 11th, 1942

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:: Führer, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment (motorisiert) 76, 20. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert), Heer
Awarded on:: September 10th, 1944

During the defensive battles around Ruda-Sielecka and Zolkiew, Oberleutnant Prüß and his Kompanie succeeded in interdicting an Soviet supply route in the area around Kamionka-Strumilowa (Bug). In the process they captured a large quantity of Soviet supplies. Prüß would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for this action.

Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: Chef, 8. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 76, 20. Panzergrenadier-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: March 23rd, 1945

Despite being wounded in the neck, Prüß decided to go against his medical advice and remained with his troops, taking over the acting command of the II./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 76 after its commander had become a casualty. Shortly afterwards the Soviets succeeded in penetrating into the neighbouring sector in battalion strength. In response Prüß independently moved against this Soviet force at the head of just 30 men and was able to eliminate the penetration. Recognizing that the focal point of the Soviet attack was here, Prüß remained in the sector Sorau—Sagan and launched three successful counterattacks on the afternoon of that same day. A result of these counterattacks was the capture of considerable quantities of Soviet materiel and prisoners. Prüß would receive the Oakleaves to his Knight’s Cross in recognition of this success.

796th Award.