Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 2nd, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 12th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

leichte Flak-Abteilung 85 (mot), Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

March 27th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 24th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 "Hermann Göring", Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1 "Hermann Göring", Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

March 26th, 1945

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

“On the 12. and 13.02.1945 Oberstleutnant Bertram and the remnants of his Regiment held a position east of Sprottau in order to link up with those encircled elements of the Pz.Gren.Div. ‘Brandenburg’ and Fsch.Pz.Div. 1 ‘HG’ that were attempting to break out towards the west. As the Regiment had been badly depleted and exhausted from the intensive breakout battles of the preceding days, it needed a strong commander at its helm in order to fulfill this particular mission.

During these two similarly fearsome days of battle, Oberstleutnant Bertram was always to be found at the frontline with his men, whose resistance was greatly improved due to the fearless example of their commander. In this time the enemy launched a total of 6 attacks, and during each one of these Oberstleutnant Bertram rushed to the threatened areas without hesitation. With a weapon in hand himself, he personally led a total of 4 counterthrusts that pushed back the enemy with bloody losses while simultaneously providing breathing space for his own troops. He was the soul of the resistance, and provided an unrivalled model of leadership as such. The counterthrusts that he personally initiated and led brought the enemy significant losses, with the added result that contact could eventually be established with those friendly forces that were breaking out.

This decisive tactical success by the Regiment would not have been possible without the determined leadership of Oberstleutnant Bertram. Such a feat is all the more remarkable when one takes into account that by this time the Regiment’s combat power was very low, having been brought to the edge of combat ineffectiveness following uninterrupted employment in previous fighting.

The successful resistance of the Regiment here was the key factor that permitted the breakout of strong elements of both the Pz.Gren.Div. ‘Brandenburg’ and the Fsch.Pz.Div. 1 ‘HG’. These could then be used to provide valuable additional fighting power for the Pz.Korps ‘Grossdeutschland’.

The lion’s share of this victory undoubtedly goes to Oberstleutnant Bertram. It thus appears to be the case that he is fully worthy of being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross on account of his proven readiness for duty, outstanding personal bravery and distinguished leadership abilities.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)