Durchdenwald, Wilhelm

Date of birth:: June 27th, 1914 (Amrichshausen/Württemberg, Germany)
Date of death:: August 17th, 1942 (Kotluban near Stalingrad, Soviet Union)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: Führer II. / Infanterie-Regiment 544 / 389. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: November 13th, 1942

During the middle of August 1942 Oberleutnant Durchdenwald and his Grenadier-Bataillon forced a crossing over the Don river despite the heavy defensive fire, and created an important bridgehead on the far bank of the river. From here he continued to direct a ferocious defensive battle against Soviet counterattacks until he was ultimately killed in battle on the 17.08.1942. He would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for the success that his actions brought about.

Awarded posthumously.