Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberwachtmeister

Unit:

2. Batterie, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 190, Heer

Awarded on:

July 2nd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

Zugführer, 2. Batterie, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 190, Heer

Awarded on:

October 21st, 1942

The Germans had planned to retreat from their bridgehead east of the Don at Voronezh in late September 1942, but the Soviets beat them to it and broke into the positions of the 323. Infanterie-Division. The division was able to contain the attack but not eliminate it on its own, and reinforcements in the form of Infanterie-Regiment 532 and the Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 190.

Together these two units fought in the southern sector of Voronezh. During these battles the Germans attempted a counterattack with the goal of capturing a brickyard. Taking place on 22.09.1942, their progress was halted by the fire of two dug-in Soviet tanks and the attack bogged down. In this situation Tadje led his assault gun out of its firing position and moved it 150 meters in front of the German infantry positions. Despite coming under fierce fire the assault gun remained intact and was able to knock out the two Soviet tanks in a nerve-wracking firefight at close range. Immediately after the second tank was knocked out however Tadje's vehicle received a direct hit, all of his crew was killed and Tadje seriously wounded.

Tadje was later recovered by the German infantry and evacuated to the rear. For his actions here, as well as his by now accumulated total of 39 enemy tanks destroyed, he was awarded the Knight's Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)