Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer 2. / Pionier-Bataillon 158 / 58. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

November 21st, 1942

At the end of June 1942 the Germans were engaged in ferocious fighting to prevent the escape of the trapped Soviet 2nd Shock Army. However despite their best efforts the Soviets were able to penetrate the inner encirclement ring at one location.

In response Leutnant Duncker and his Kompanie received the task of sealing off this penetration and preventing any further enemy advance. However the Kompanie had barely reached their assigned area when it received heavy fire from two directions. The much larger hostile forces here looked as if they would prevent the execution of the Kompanie’s mission. Leutnant Duncker realized that merely containing the enemy was no longer an option, and so he decided to take the bold action of attacking the enemy forces already in his rear.

He dispatched one Zug to the break-in point to defend against further Soviet advances from the pocket. At the same time he launched a ruthless attack against the strong opposing forces that were located in his rear with the remainder of his Kompanie.

The Kompanie engaged in a fierce battle that lasted for four hours. However, inspired by the brave example of their commander, the Pioniere eventually achieved victory. All the further Soviet attempts to break through were bloodily repulsed, and the Soviet forces in the rear were likewise smashed (with 230 prisoners being captured from this enemy group). Leutnant Duncker’s efforts majorly contributed to the shattering of these last major breakthrough attempts and the eventual destruction of the Soviet forces in the pocket. He would be recognized with the Knight’s Cross for this achievement.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)