Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

in bronze

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Führer, II. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 115, 15. Panzergrenadier-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 28th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 115, 15. Panzergrenadier-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

May 5th, 1945

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

“Major Weichsel’s outstanding leadership and great personal bravery brought about a decisive friendly success on the 21.04.1945. On this day he launched an attack against Wisted (Zeven-Bremervörde area) with 2 Grenadier-Kompanien and 2 Sturmgeschütze in support. The enemy forces in the village consisted of 15 heavy tanks as well as a battalion of Irish Guards. Major Weichsel was in the thick of the action with his troops, fighting for house after house and street after street of the toughly defended village. 8 enemy tanks were destroyed, 5 via Panzerfausts. The enemy suffered heavy losses in men as well, including numerous dead and 45 prisoners. Friendly losses amounted to 1 dead and 12 lightly wounded.

This offensive success (achieved with minimal friendly assets) is solely attributable to the skillful leadership and personal bravery of Major Weichsel. His employment of a pincer maneuver threw the enemy into confusion (they even claimed to be encircled in one of their radio transmissions). This attack by Weichsel preempted a hostile thrust against Zeven, and the result was that this important road and railroad junction was kept under friendly control.”