Menges, Otto

Date of birth:: May 9th, 1917 (Bechtoslheim, Germany)
Date of death:: May 24th, 1944 (Cassino, Italy)
Buried on:: German War Cemetery Pomezia
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberfeldwebel (Flight Sergeant)
Unit:: 6. Kompanie, Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1, 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division
Awarded on:: March 20th, 1944

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberfeldwebel (Flight Sergeant)
Unit:: Zugführer, 6. Kompanie,Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1, 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division
Awarded on:: June 9th, 1944

On the morning of 08.02.1944 the Allies launched an attack on the German positions NW of Cassino with strong forces. Here they managed to capture Hill 593 and thus threaten the whole German front in the area. In this critical moment Oberfeldwebel Menges launched a counterattack with his Kompanie on his own initiative. Despite the difficult terrain and the heavy opposing fire he was able to recapture the crucial height from the Allies.

Later, on 11.02.1944, the Allies were able to achieve a penetration at the German frontline between Hill 593 and the Schützenhöhe following a heavy artillery barrage. Oberfeldwebel Menges once again launched an independent counterattack with his Kompanie that threw back the attackers following bitter close combat. He then held the recaptured frontline against further Allied attacks.

Menges would receive the Knight’s Cross for his successes during the fighting here.