Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

in silver

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Führer, II. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 183, 62. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

December 11th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Infanterie-Regiment 132, 44. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

December 18th, 1942

Begemann’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“The Russians broke through the sector of the 4th Romanian Army Corps (located immediately adjacent to the left of 6. Armee) at the beginning of their attack in the great Don bend on the 19.11.1942. At the same time the Romanian cavalry division positioned on the Corps’ right wing also broke very quickly. With this the 6. Armee’s left wing, and shortly thereafter its deep left flank, was left open.

In this threatening situation Bergemann’s Regiment was temporarily taken out of the 44. Infanterie-Division’s static frontline and sent to the endangered west flank of the XI. Armee-Korps at Werch. Businowka. Acting with great drive, Oberstleutnant Begemann managed to bring his Regiment to battle early than anticipated and prevent a further Russian thrust by immediately engaging in combat.

The Regiment resisted bitterly for 48 hours against overwhelming attacks by 3 tank supported cavalry divisions that had enveloped it from three sides. Oberstleutnant Begemann went over to a counterattack on his own initiative and eliminated an enemy force that was at least the size of a cavalry regiment. Prisoner statements and intercepted radio transmissions confirmed that the enemy had been forced to halt their eastward attacks via Werch. Businowka and instead swing further to the south due to the resistance put up by Begemann’s Regiment.

The aggressive defense put up by Begemann’s Regiment was decisive for the orderly withdrawal of the XI. Armee-Korps over the Don. Begemann’s Regiment only pulled back later when ordered to do so and while taking along all wounded men.

The outstanding deeds by the Regiment in the time period 19.-21.11.1942 were only possible thanks to the confident leadership and personal actions by Oberstleutnant Begemann, who was always to be found in the foremost line.

The deeds of Oberstleutnant Begemann are particularly worthy of the high award of the Knight’s Cross.”