Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

Gruppenführer, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5, 12. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 24th, 1944

During the First Battle of Courland the Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5 was positioned as a ready reserve near Autz. The Regiment’s II. Bataillon was primarily deployed along the road that led westwards into the city of Autz, which had already been lost to the Soviets. The Bataillon’s 6. and 7. Kompanien launched a counterattack with the support of Sturmgeschützen and light Flak, and they swiftly recaptured the second position.

II. Bataillon then became the primary target of a massive Soviet armoured assault. 6. Kompanie was overrun by 20 T-34s. In response Unteroffizier Behrends rallied his men to him and managed to withstand this onslaught. He significantly contributed to his Bataillon’s ability to achieve a defensive victory on this day (the 29.10.1944), and for this he was later awarded the Knight’s Cross.