Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 2. / Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 191 / Heerestruppe

Awarded on:

April 6th, 1944

On the 12.01.1944 the 2./Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 191 was assigned to the hard-pressed 98. Infanterie-Division, which was currently engaged in hard defensive combat. The Batterie decided to use the cover of darkness to enter the sector of this Division. As they were doing so the Batterie commander, Oberleutnant Berg, determined that he and his Sturmgeschützen had unknowingly fallen in alongside a Soviet infantry column. It was later realized that he and his Batterie had gotten into the midst of an unfolding Soviet attack. This force had already broken through the lines and was now operating in the rear of the 98. Infanterie-Division.

Without hesitation, Berg opened fire at a very short range, forcing the Soviets nearby to scatter. He and his men then pulled back a bit before reentering combat with the now pursuing Soviet forces. Berg quickly destroyed 2 Soviet tanks, while his men destroyed 3 more as well as a Soviet assault gun. The Soviet attack was brought to a halt. Oberleutnant Berg then decided to subordinate a Romanian reserve company on his own initiative, and he thereafter launched a counterthrust with this unit as well as his own Sturmgeschützen. The Soviets were thrown back in the energetic attack, and the old frontline was restored. After this Berg and his men continued to pursue the fleeing Soviets, killing many as they did so.

Berg and his Batterie ultimately secured a definitive victory. In the process Berg destroyed his 12th tank, and his Batterie reached a new total of 55 tanks destroyed. Berg would later receive the Knight’s Cross in recognition of his success.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)