Bonnke, Friedrich

Date of birth:: February 4th, 1915 (Stolp/Pommerania, Germany)
Date of death:: December 9th, 2001 (Wesel/Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Career:
?: I. / Reserve-Flak-Abteilung 137;
?: 3. / I. / Flak-Regiment 42;
?: Chef III. / Flak-Regiment 42 (motorisiert).

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Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2.Klasse mit Schwertern

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: January 30th, 1942

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: Chef 3. Batterie, I. Abteilung, Flak-Regiment 42, 9. Flak-Division, Luftwaffe
Awarded on:: December 6th, 1944

Bonnke’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Oberleutnant Bonnke and his Batterie (3./Flak-Rgt. 42) were positioned in the area south of Riche (12 km NE of Chateau Salins) on the 11.11.1944. Although the Batterie was stationed totally alone here, it was able to smash a massive enemy tank/infantry attack that was slicing into an extant frontline gap. Such a feat was made possible via a combination of skillful positioning as well as the exceptional bravery of the Batterie commander. His actions here decisively halted the enemy breakthrough attempt, and 12 tanks and 11 halftracks were destroyed in the process. A further 15 halftracks were immobilized, with their infantry being forced to dismount and consequently be destroyed. Oberleutnant Bonnke thus achieved a decisive battlefield success that prevented the rolling up of the new friendly frontline (which was still in the process of destruction).”