Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

Truppenführer 8. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 351, 183. Volksgrenadier-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 24th, 1944

During the Second Defensive Battle of Geilenkirchen, on the 18.11.1944, Feldwebel Erath defended the village of Fürthenrode for several hours with a small group of soldiers against a much larger enemy force following the death of his Kompanie commander. In this engagement he launched a counterthrust with just 3 men that compelled the enemy to retreat, and thereafter fought his way back to friendly lines. He would later receive the Knight’s Cross for his defensive achievements here.