Baxmann, Karl

Date of birth:: November 13th, 1919 (Rössing/Hannover, Germany)
Date of death:: January 10th, 2004 (Söhlde/Lowersaxony, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Karl Baxmann finally reached the rank of Hauptmann.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: Führer II. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 73 / 19. Panzer-Division
Awarded on:: May 14th, 1944

Awarded for his actions during the breakout of 1. Panzerarmee from the Kamenets-Podolski pocket. During this time Baxmann and his Bataillon had the mission of thrusting through a forest on both sides of the road from Losiacz to Dawidkowsze. Their opposition consisted of a Soviet rifle regiment reinforced by tanks and anti-tank guns, while the Bataillon itself had only 50 men remaining. Baxmann left behind a small security element, assembled the men of his Kampfgruppe at the edge of Losiacz and launched a wide flanking maneuver to the north on the night of the 01./02.04.1944. By utilizing the cover of a snowstorm, Baxmann and his men were able to get into the rear of the Soviet defenders. Panic broke out amongst them when the Germans attacked. Baxmann’s Bataillon captured 50 prisoners and 4 anti-tank guns. 4 tanks and 6 anti-tank guns were destroyed, and the remaining 550 Soviet soldiers fled along with their tank support.

Baxmann had managed to bring about an extraordinary victory here by motivating his exhausted men through his own example. He would be recognized appropriately for this feat.