Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberjäger (Corporal)

Unit:

Geschützführer 16. / Jäger-Regiment 228 / 101.Jäger-Division

Awarded on:

March 6th, 1944

Awarded for his actions on the 26.01.1944 while serving northwest of Pogrebischtsche.

During the early morning hours of this day a strong Soviet armoured group used the cover of darkness and the morning fog to enter into a group of houses and a ravine in the sector of the III./Jäger-Regiment 228. The bulk of this force stood before the assigned sector of Oberjäger Butz. He realized that there would be grave consequences for the German situation if the enemy was allowed to break through and reach the road, and so at daybreak he took up the fight against the much superior enemy.

By skillfully deploying his Pak gun and frequently changing position he was able to destroy 5 enemy tanks within 45 minutes. At around midday he destroyed another 2 tanks with his cannon. The remaining enemy tanks then pulled back and left the Soviet infantry that had already entered the village to their fate. The German forces then used this opportunity to launch a counterthrust and recapture the village. During a renewed Soviet attack in the afternoon Butz destroyed another 3 tanks with his Pak gun, forcing the remainder to withdraw for good.

In total he destroyed 10 tanks on this day with his Pak gun and played a major role in bringing about a local German victory here. He would be recognized appropriately.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)