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Wesche, Konrad Julius Willi "Willi"

Date of birth:
January 8th, 1899 (Westerode, Germany)
Date of death:
June 27th, 1944 (Bobruysk, Belarus)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 15th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 4th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 430, 129. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
April 9th, 1943
On the 26.11.1942 the Soviets penetrated the German frontline around Rzhev near Osuga. Major Wesche was sent to deal with this threat, and in a sharp counterattack Wesche and his Grenadiers were able to restore the old German defence line. For this success he was awarded the Knight's Cross.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 427, 129. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
August 6th, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
On the 26.06.1944 the Ptitsch bridges (Hoßbach bridges) near Karpitovka were blocked off by the Soviets, thus cutting off the retreat route of several Axis divisions. Oberst Wesche, recognizing the situation, took over all available forces on the left wing of his Division and defeated the Soviet blocking force. With the troops under his command that had broken through, he set up a new defensive front to the west and from there was able to hinder further Soviet moves. In this fighting Oberst Wesche was killed the next day on the 27.06.1944, however he would be recognized for his efforts here with the Oakleaves.

541st award

Sources

Photo