David, Ernst

Date of birth:: July 8th, 1920 (Schellweiler/Bavaria, Germany)
Date of death:: August 11th, 1943 (Samoshje, Soviet Union)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Obergefreiter (Corporal)
Unit:: MG-Schütze 3. / Grenadier-Regiment 118 / 36. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: August 16th, 1943

The following press excerpt describes why David would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Obergefreiter Ernst David used his machine-gun to cover the withdrawal of his Zug of Kaiserslauterer Grenadiers as it occupied a new position. After he had fulfilled his mission he proceeded to follow his comrades back. However as he did so he noticed strong enemy forces coming from the flank that threatened to cut off the retreat of two Kompanien from his Bataillon that were still holding their ground. He acted swiftly, bringing his machine-gun into position and taking up the fight against the attacking Soviets all on his own. His flanking fire brought the enemy attack to a standstill. This brave Obergefreiter died a heroic death a short time afterwards. However he would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for taking up this almost hopeless battle for the sake of his threatened comrades, demonstrating a true soldierly devotion to duty as he did so.”

The action described here took place on the 14.07.1943 near Kotschely-Pobednoje (in the Orel area).

Awarded posthumously.