Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier der Reserve (Corporal of Reserves)

Unit:

Geschützführer 14. / Infanterie-Regiment 253 / 34.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

October 5th, 1941

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

“Unteroffizier Brückner was awarded the Iron Cross First Class for destroying 4 light, 3 medium and 2 heavy tanks on the 03.09.1941. Later, on the 10.09.1941, he and his medium cannon were positioned on the right wing of the Regiment as security against tanks. At around midday a 52 ton tank appeared, however he destroyed this through multiple hits to its rear. A short while later another 52 ton tank appeared, but Unteroffizier Brückner also dealt with it at the closest range. In order to completely destroy these two tanks the gun crew approached them under cover of darkness. They poured gasoline into the air vents and caused both 52 ton tanks to explode with hand grenades. By doing all this Unteroffizier Brückner prevented a breakthrough of the enemy on the right wing of the Regiment as well as the rolling up of the defensive sector towards the southwest and north.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)