Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer 3./Heeres-Pionier-Bataillon 42

Awarded on:

September 21st, 1944

In the later part of July 1944, near the village of Luka (about 25 kilometers northeast of Stanislau), the Nashorns of Panzerjäger-Abteilung 88 and the Pioniere of Hauptmann Wiesner were engaged in bitter defensive combat in order to keep open the withdrawal route for two friendly Divisionen. The Soviets recognized this fact and first took an important village, and then attempted to capture a key German field position. Defending it was Wiesner and only 8 men. 8 tanks spearheaded the Soviet attack, but all of these were knocked out in bitter combat (one by Wiesner himself with a Panzerfaust).

The next day, Wiesner was ordered retake the village that had been captured by the Soviets. Assembling all available forces (about 45 men), he went over to the attack. The first attempt was beaten off, but after a second assault launched from the north the Germans were able to take control of the village. In the process they inflicted heavy losses on the Soviets, including...

- 180 counted dead
- 24 mortars
- 4 field guns.

For the defeat of a far superior force, as well as ensuring the security of the German withdrawal route, Wiesner was awarded the Knight's Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant

Unit:

1./Pionier-Bataillon 658

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1942