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Benzin, Otto Fritz Karl August

Date of birth:
November 23rd, 1910 (Pritzwalk/Brandenburg, Germany)
Date of death:
June 29th, 1944 (Bobruisk/Mahilyow Oblast, Belarus)
Nationality:
German

Biography

Otto Benzin was killed on July 3rd 1944 as Führer Grenadier-Regiment 531 according to a writing from the Armeeoberkommando to the Heeres-Personal-Amt and witnesses. However, as official date of death, the OKH has written down June 29th 1944.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
May 27th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 4th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
Chef, 9. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 89, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
December 31st, 1941
Benzin’s reinforced 9. Kompanie launched an attack against Karnowschtschina on the morning of the 18.10.1941. The unit managed to achieve a surprise seizure of the village’s southern edge under covering fire from a half Zug of machine-guns. With this complete, the heavily fortified western edge of the village was then captured from the rear in bitter combat. 17 bunkers were stormed, and in their confusion the Soviets set off two large electrically detonated mines to the west of their position. A detachment of Soviet reinforcements coming from the east was held up by the now relocated MG half Zug and then crushed in a close-quarter melee.

Benzin and his men then went on to repeat this exercise at the village of Nossowitzy, once again hitting the Soviets in the rear and destroying them. Benzin would subsequently be awarded the Knight’s Cross for his actions on this day.

785th Heer Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Führer, Grenadier-Regiment 89, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
February 22nd, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Awarded for the achievements of his Regiment during the second winter battle of Vitebsk. In this time he and his men repeatedly prevented the Soviets from achieving a frontline penetration, recording particularly notable success in this regard on the 09. and 10.02.1944. Benzin’s actions during this time were very important for the concluding of this battle in the Germans’ favour.

406th Award.

Sources

Photo