Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, 1. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2, 2. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

August 8th, 1943

The following press article describes why Domrich would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Major Domrich, Bataillon commander in a Vienna Panzergrenadier-Regiment, found himself conducting an ordered withdrawal to a new defensive line with his Bataillon east of Orel. The enemy pursued with infantry and tank forces, threatening to penetrate through the new position and unhinge it before it could be properly defended. Major Domrich recognized this danger. He turned around with elements of his Bataillon on his own initiative and took up the fight with the far larger enemy force. Although he became surrounded and was threatened by the possibility of being completely cut off, he and his men continued to fend off all attacks of the 15-fold superior Soviets in bitter combat wherein he himself fought in the foremost line with a weapon in hand. Only after the onset of darkness did he and his Bataillon fight their way back through the Soviets to the new defensive front. Major Domrich died a hero’s death on the 11.08.1943, three days after being awarded the Knight’s Cross.”

In a letter to his wife, dated 08.06.1944, he noted that through these actions he had held open the retreat route for several other German units and that 5 enemy tanks were destroyed during the battle.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)