Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Infanterie-Regiment 134

Awarded on:

December 26th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 134 / 44. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

February 5th, 1942

The following wartime excerpt describes the main reason why Boje was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Although he was not yet fully recovered from injury, Oberst Boje was the one primarily responsible for bringing about the collapse of the overwhelming Soviet attacks against his Regiment in the time period 17.-21.01.1942. By doing so he prevented the much-feared fall of the Division’s cornerstone, Balakleja, due to the Soviet assaults from the north. In this time he repeatedly led hastily-assembled units into counterthrusts, and these inflicted such heavy losses on the foe that they were compelled to give up time and again. On the 23.01.1942 Oberst Boje led his last available forces into the right neighbouring sector on his own initiative and despite the crisis situation in his own sector. By doing this he prevented an imminent Russian breakthrough at the last minute.”