Barths, Karl-Ludwig

Date of birth:: May 13th, 1920 (Kolbatz, Germany)
Date of death:: September 18th, 2018
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: September 20th, 1940

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: June 26th, 1941

Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:: Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 191, Heer
Awarded on:: September 29th, 1941

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:: Führer Heeres-Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 393 / Heerestruppe
Awarded on:: January 14th, 1945

On the 23.12.1944 the Soviets launched a major thrust south of Dzukste along the axis WNW. This assault quickly ground down the weak defending divisions of the VI. SS-Freiwilligen-Armeekorps, and a breakthrough began to develop. In response the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 393, commanded by Hauptmann Barths, was rushed to the area and sent in to attack the flank of the Soviet armoured spearhead from the march. Despite its great numerical inferiority the Brigade was able to bring the Soviet armour to a halt long enough for reinforcements from the 4. Panzer-Division to arrive and restore the situation with a counterattack. Barths would receive the Knight’s Cross soon thereafter for his achievements during this battle.