Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer 1. / Infanterie-Regiment 501 / 290.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

September 26th, 1941

The following wartime excerpt describes why Donhauser would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Oberfeldwebel Donhauser has repeatedly distinguished himself through outstanding personal bravery, decisiveness and readiness for battle during the western and eastern campaigns. On his own initiative he led a counterattack with 10 men against a much superior enemy attack that was being launched into the flank of the Regiment and threatened the bridge in the area. The counterattack brought about a full defensive success along with the capture of enemy prisoners. This success was vital for the defense of Staraya Russa as well as the overall conduct of battle on this day. Shortly afterwards Oberfeldwebel Donhauser received a life-threatening shot through the neck while defending against a reinforced Soviet battalion near Lutownia.”

The action in question took place on the 18.08.1941.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)