Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 24th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 1st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

in bronze

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 1943

WIA 20.09.1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmbannführer (Major)

Unit:

Kommandeur, SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 8, 8. Kavallerie-Division

Awarded on:

December 11th, 1944

Drexler’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 04.11.1944 the SS-Aufkl.Abt. 8 under the command of SS-Sturmbannführer Drexler was dispatched to the village of Vecses in order to eliminate an enemy penetration. Following difficult urban combat the A.A. succeeded in preventing a further advance of the enemy. However it was clear that the weak Schwadronen of the Abteilung would be unable to conduct a defense in the village during the night due to the strength of the enemy. Realizing how important the defense of this position was for the entire sector, SS-Sturmbannführer Drexler launched an attack on his own initiative with the SS men that had continually been inspired by his personal example. Although they had suffered heavy losses of 60 men during the urban combat they nonetheless managed to fight their way through the enemy and reach the anti-tank ditch. SS-Sturmbannführer Drexler then held this position for 3 days despite the lack of contact with friendly forces to the left and right as well as the presence of the dug-in enemy in the village to his rear. This was achieved even with friendly losses of 110 men (mostly due to enemy action from the rear) on top of ammunition shortages caused by the extreme difficulties involved in bringing up supplies through the village.

A flanking attack by the SS-Kav.Rgt. 16 from the west along the anti-tank ditch eventually managed to eliminate the enemy forces that remained in the village. This victory resulted in the capture of 4 guns (7.62 cm), 17 light machine-guns, 41 rifles, 1 mortar, 10 main guns, 50 hand grenades and several thousand rounds of infantry ammunition. In addition to this 1 truck, several wagons, 1 assault gun, 1 anti-tank gun and an ammunition dump were destroyed.

Although the majority of the Russians died in the burning houses it was nonetheless possible to count over 100 enemy dead in the aftermath of the battle.

This outstanding battlefield victory was one of many such actions conducted by SS-Sturmbannführer Drexler. His energy and good leadership helped to ensure the outcome of this battle, one which was decisive for the overall defense of Budapest.”