Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

II. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 240, 106. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 239, 106. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

July 21st, 1943

The following newspaper article (dated 10.08.1943) describes why Wontorra received the Knight’s Cross…

“The Knight’s Cross Awarded After a Heroic Death:

During the fighting southeast of Belgorod Hauptmann der Reserve Kurt Wontorra (Bataillon commander in a Rhine-Westphalian Grenadier-Regiment) stormed far ahead of the bulk of his Division whilst leading at the spearhead of his Bataillon. During the assault across the Donez he was able to break through a strongly fortified railway embankment position despite heavy enemy resistance. Several determined Bolshevik counterattacks were smashed in subsequent combat. By this action he enabled his Division to successfully cross the Donez and reach its attack objective. A few days later this exemplary officer fell in battle prior to being awarded the Knight’s Cross.”