Bochnig, Helmut

Date of birth:: December 4th, 1914 (Oels/Silesia, Germany)
Date of death:: March 22nd, 2001 (Hof/Bavaria, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

After the Second World War, Helmut Bochnig served with the Bundeswehr, reaching the rank of Oberstleutnant.

Career:
?: Adjutant Panzer-Abwehrabteilung 50;
?: Kommandeur Panzerjäger-Abteilung 228;
?: Bundeswehr.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: Kommandeur, Panzerjäger-Abteilung 228, 16. Panzer-Grenadier-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: June 9th, 1944

Awarded for distinguishing himself with his Abteilung during the combat in early 1944. He and his handful of tank destroyers performed an outstanding delaying action at the start of March 1944 during a Soviet breakthrough near Awdotjewka and Lowowoje. Here they held off attacking Russian armour long enough for elements of the divisional staff along with wounded soldiers, supply elements and scattered soldiers to escape the Soviet grasp. During this time he and his men gave a good account of themselves despite the fluid nature of the frontline, lack of infantry support and the endless seas of mud. He would go on to perform similar actions during the future retreat towards Trisko-Ssafonowo and Nowyj Bug, ensuring that vulnerable friendly columns and supply troops were able to escape.