Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberjäger (Corporal)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 10, 5. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

August 22nd, 1943

On the 24.08.1943 the commander of the Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 100, Oberst Glasl, wrote a letter to Oberjäger Ehinger concerning his Knight’s Cross actions. At the time Ehinger was staying in a hospital. The letter’s contents read as follows…

“My dear Ehinger!

When the Russians commenced the Third Battle of Lake Ladoga on the 22.07.1943 you were charged with defending the Sandberg (located at the base of the Namur height) with your men. This piece of ground was of particular importance for the Regiment’s entire defensive sector. It was the flanking point towards the north over the Gorochowoje swamp, and was also the cornerstone of the left boundary of your II. Bataillon. The enemy attacked after a two hour artillery barrage.

However you fearlessly held onto the Sandberg with your MG crew, even as the enemy entered into the trenches to your right and attacked you. You repeatedly eliminated the enemy forces that had entered the trenches via close combat. You were the soul of the resistance for both the battle and the Sandberg. After your crew had fallen out you continued to fight from your trench, and kept the attacking Russians in check until support was once again available. Your resistance enabled your brave Kompanie commander, Leutnant Pilz, to repeatedly clear out enemy forces that had gotten into other parts of the position. He did so a total of seven times on this day. Even after you were heavily wounded at your post you continued to fight off enemy attacks until the situation was secure. Through your personal bravery and example you brought about a victory that was of decisive importance for the Regiment. Your Kompanie has christened you as the ‘Lion of Sandberg’.

For this outstanding demonstration of bravery the Führer has awarded you the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.

I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on this achievement. I am proud of you, my dear Ehinger, and the whole Regiment is beside me on this. I’m grateful for your sacrificial devotion to duty, and wish you a speedy recovery. May you one day return healthy and happy to our great, proud Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 100. The 100 lives on!

Hail my brave Ehinger!

Your Glasl, Oberst and regimental commander”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)