Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 15th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 31st, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

1. Kompanie, I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 3, 2. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 25th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 1st, 1940

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 20th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 6th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, II. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 3, 2. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

October 1st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, II. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 3, 2. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 7th, 1944

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

“On the 13.11.1943 Major von Boxberg led an armoured Kampfgruppe consisting of 6 Panzers (from II./Panzer-Regiment 3), 10 scout cars (I./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 304 (gep)) and 4 self-propelled guns of the 1./Panzerjäger-Abteilung 36 (sf).

The Kampfgruppe was held as a ready reserve south of Wishemir.

Starting at midnight on the 12./13.11.1943, as our own forces were withdrawing, the enemy began a fierce pursuit on our right wing with strong infantry forces (1 rifle division) and elements of a tank brigade. This vastly complicated the construction of a new frontline, and a consequence of this was that a gap was formed on the right between the 2. Panzer-Division and 102. Infanterie-Division.

By around midday the constant enemy attacks had once again reached a critical stage, and as such it appeared that the hard-won new frontline of the Division would be lost. The Division asked the Generalkommando of XX. Armee-Korps for permission to withdraw to a shortened line. This request was approved. However Major von Boxberg, who was currently at the frontline, realized that a favourable situation existed for a counterthrust despite the otherwise critical conditions. He thrust forward at the head of his Kampfgruppe on his own initiative, only informing the Division of his actions at a later time. He went forth with the boldness that he had always shown since the start of the Russian campaign, and did so despite the seemingly insurmountable terrain difficulties (i.e. a swampy forest) as well as the very strong enemy resistance (especially due to their anti-tank defenses).

Along with his attached infantry, he reached the old frontline as darkness fell. He then pressed further forwards, and at 21:00 he reported that he and his Kampfgruppe had made contact to the left. After hearing of this the Division refrained from carrying out its ordered withdrawal movement, and it sent in additional infantry forces taken from alarm units to reinforce Kampfgruppe von Boxberg. With these forces he then turned southwards and launched another major attack. Personally leading from the frontline, he captured Hill 131.2 and thereby closed the gap to the 102. Infanterie-Division.

The outstanding leadership demonstrated by Major von Boxberg thwarted the enemy aim to separate both Divisions, and it ultimately led to the restoration of a stable situation. This was a very important achievement, as at the time the Division’s left wing was simultaneously being threatened by a Russian thrust to the Retschitza—Kalinkowitschi road.”