Amelung, Günther (Schnelle Abteilung 123)

Date of birth:: April 8th, 1914 (Berlin, Germany)
Date of death:: March 29th, 1944 (Precno, Oborova, Croatia)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Oberleutnant Günther Amelung was killed on 29th March 1944 near Oborova in Croatia. At this time he was Chef 1. / Aufklärungs-Abteilung 55. He was posthumously promoted to Rittmeister der Reserve.

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

(Allgemeines) Sturmabzeichen (ohne zahlen), I.Stufe

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:: Führer, 5. Kompanie, Schnelle Abteilung 123, 123.Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: January 15th, 1943

Amelung was commander of a German bicycle Schwadron in early 1943. In early January of that year the Soviets succeeded in breaking through south of Lake Ilmen with tanks and infantry, threatening to cut an important supply road. Amelung was ordered to plug the gap in the German lines with his Schwadron. The going was tough, and Amelung’s unit was unable to recapture the old positions due to defensive fire from Soviet tanks. Eventually they were able to bring a Pak gun forward, which knocked out 6 Soviet tanks. Amelung was then able to retake two old resistance nests which sealed off the penetration and thus cut off the Soviet troops that had broken through on the previous day. The Soviets were quick to realize the gravity of the situation and Amelung’s Schwadron was counterattacked five times over the course of three days and nights. But, in no small part due to Amelung’s leadership, all attacks were repelled. Amelung’s outstanding leadership, along with the decisive results of the battle, resulted in a swift reception of the Knight’s Cross.

Demjanskschild

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Nahkampfspange in Bronze

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Sources

Photo 1: Wilco Vermeer
- Die Ordensträger der Deutschen Wehrmacht (CD), VMD-Verlag GmbH, Osnabrück, 2002
- Fellgiebel W.P., Elite of the Third Reich, The recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939-1945: A Reference, Helion & Company Limited, Solihull, 2003, ISBN 1-874622-46-9
- ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de