Berrer, Herbert

Date of birth:: February 2nd, 1921 (Stuttgart/Württemberg, Germany)
Date of death:: February 9th, 1992 (Hamburg, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberfernschreibmaaten
Unit:: Kampfflotille 362
Awarded on:: April 24th, 1944

For action near Anzio and Nettuno

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberfernschreibmaaten
Unit:: Kampfflotille 362
Awarded on:: August 5th, 1944

For action near the Invasion front

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Matrosenobergefreiter (Able-bodied Seaman)
Unit:: Ein-Mann-Torpedo-Fahrer, Kleinkampfflottille 362, Kriegsmarine
Awarded on:: August 5th, 1944

The following press excerpt, dated 15.09.1944, describes why Berrer was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Acting upon the recommendation of the Supreme Commander of the Kriegsmarine, Großadmiral Dönitz, the Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Oberfernschreibmeister Herbert Berrer. He was given this medal as the third Lone Fighter of the Kriegsmarine for sinking a transport ship with 10000 GRT…

The 23-year old Berrer, hailing from Stuttgart, had previously sunk an enemy corvette before the Anzio bridgehead with a one-man torpedo. On the night of the 02./03.08.1944, moving through strong enemy security in the Seine Bay, he torpedoed a fully loaded 10000 GRT transport. The ship exploded and sank within a short time…”

The reported torpedoing of a corvette (which was more likely a freighter with 3500 GRT) took place on the night of the 20./21.04.1944.