Dollwet, René

Date of birth:: October 22nd, 1922 (Mettlach/Rhine Province, Germany)
Date of death:: December 15th, 1983 (Benidorm/Alicante, Spain)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:: Führer, 2. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 485, 263. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: February 29th, 1944

Here follows a press excerpt from the 15./16.04.1944 edition of the Saar-Grenzwacht. It describes why Dollwet would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.

“The bold decision of the young Leutnant - Knight’s Cross Holder Leutnant Dollwet eliminates a dangerous enemy penetration:

… Leutnant Dollwet, holder of both classes of Iron Cross as well as the Wound Badge in Gold, was deployed with his men for an assault against A. During the attack the Soviets penetrated into the neighbouring sector with a battalion-sized infantry unit and 7 tanks. Undeterred by this dangerous flank threat, the young officer inspired his men forwards. The tough enemy resistance was crushed. A. was taken and completely cleared of the enemy. However Leutnant Dollwet was not merely satisfied with the completion of his mission. He left two Züge to provide security in A., and then led the third Zug in a thrust against the flank of the far larger enemy forces that had broken-in. Within the bushy terrain a merciless battle developed. The Soviets, supported by their tanks, almost had to be slain one by one. Leutnant Dollwet took on a T-34 and destroyed it with a Panzerfaust. The terrain was secured bit by bit, and contact with the neighbouring Bataillon was achieved. Prisoners and numerous weapons were taken to the rear, the trophies of this audacious operation. The independent initiative and inspirational boldness of Leutnant Dollwet enabled the restoration of the old frontline, which as of now remains firmly in friendly hands. For this he was awarded the Knight’s Cross…”

The village referred to in the article as “A.” was Alexandrowo.