Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, 3. Kompanie, Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 92, 20. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 22nd, 1943

On the 26.11.1942 the Soviets penetrated through the right wing of the 7. Luftwaffen-Feld-Division near Bjeloy. In response the 20. Panzer-Division dispatched a Kampfgruppe to the area to eliminate this foothold, and among the units involved was the Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 92.

On the morning of the 09.12.1942 the Bataillon set out north towards Bykowo in temperatures of -16 degrees celsius. In the process it encountered fierce Soviet resistance, including rearguards of the 74th Stalin Brigade at the edge of the forest south of Bykowo. Both sides took heavy losses, however a thrust by the Panzerjäger-Abteilung 92 eventually crushed the remaining Soviet resistance here. 300 Soviet dead were counted here in the aftermath.

Despite being wounded during this combat Leutnant Brutscher continued to fight on with his Kompanie, and with his men he played a major role in the final victory. He was later awarded the Knight’s Cross for his actions here.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 92, 20. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

November 19th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)