Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 4th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Führer, I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 33, 9. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 13th, 1943

During the fighting for the Orel salient in 1943 the flank of the I./Panzer-Regiment 33 became threatened by a force of 45 Soviet tanks. In a short but bitter engagement the Abteilung (consisting of 16 Panzers) managed to destroy 25 Soviet tanks. After this the Abteilung commander, Hauptmann Bauer, decided to pursue the retreating Soviet force on his own initiative. Another 5 tanks were destroyed in the process, and a commanding hill was also captured. This tactical battle effectively smashed the Soviet breakthrough attempt in this area.

The final total of destroyed hostile armour included 26 medium-heavy Soviet models and 3 lend lease tanks. All of this was achieved while being outnumbered 3-1 and without any German tank losses. Hauptmann Bauer would be awarded the Knight’s Cross soon thereafter for this impressive battlefield feat.

Submitted on September 8th 1943.
Preliminary document dated on September 15th 1943.