Berger, Heinz (Infanterie-Regiment 187)

Date of birth:: December 1st, 1914 (Wahren/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:: April 16th, 1983 (Leipzig/Saxony, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Unit:: Richtschütze, 14. (Panzerjäger) Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 187, 87. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: September 17th, 1941

The following wartime excerpt describes why Berger was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“On the 30.08. and 01.09.1941 Gefreiter Berger fought as the gunner of a 3.7 cm Pak in the area west of Bolotina (itself located 17 km north of Jarzewo). While defending against hostile infantry-supported armour attacks, all while under heavy mortar fire, he destroyed 13 Russian tanks that had broken into the main battle line. This total included 12 medium and one 52 ton class tank. Through his outstanding personal bravery he significantly contributed to the ability of Infanterie-Regiment 187 to hold the frontline during this major defensive battle. Gefreiter Berger has by now destroyed over 25 Soviet tanks since the beginning of the Eastern campaign.”