Becker, Paul (Artillerie-Regiment 3)

Date of birth:: March 21st, 1918 (Düren/Rhineprovince, Germany)
Date of death:: November 29th, 1992 (Düren/Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Promotions:
?: Obergefreiter;
?: Unteroffizier.

Career:
?: Richtschütze. 10. Batterie, Artillerie-Regiment (motorisiert) 3.

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: August 2nd, 1942

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: August 6th, 1942

Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Obergefreiter (Corporal)
Unit:: 10. Batterie, IV. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment (motorisiert) 3, 3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert), Heer
Awarded on:: October 5th, 1942

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Obergefreiter (Corporal)
Unit:: Richtschütze. 10. Batterie, IV. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment (motorisiert) 3, 3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert), Heer
Awarded on:: October 25th, 1942

The following newspaper excerpt (dated 14.11.1942) describes why Becker was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Obergefreiter Paul Becker had already destroyed 28 enemy tanks during the heavy combat near Kalatsch, and for this he was awarded the Iron Cross First Class. During the battle of Stalingrad he significantly contributed to the successful defense against enemy counterattacks through his personal bravery and decisiveness. The Bolsheviks commenced a furious attack with strong infantry forces that had the support of numerous tanks. Their aim was to break through the German blocking position to the north of the city. Obergefreiter Becker persevered throughout the fierce hostile fire while serving at his gun, and in the heavy fighting he destroyed 13 enemy tanks (most of which were heavy types). He smashed local enemy infantry penetrations with well laid fire. Thus, within a short time, Obergefreiter Becker destroyed a total of 41 Soviet tanks and decisively contributed to the great successes of his Division.”