- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Major
- Unit:
- Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment (motorisiert) 53, 14. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert), Heer
- Awarded on:
- December 23rd, 1942
Feuker’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…
“Through his successful defensive of the village of Urdom the commander of the I./Gr.Rgt. (mot) 53, Major Feuker, has laid the groundwork for the successful outcome of our operations.
During this time the village was lost a total of 4 times, but was retaken via a counterthrust on each occasion. In the village itself the defenders destroyed at least 18 enemy tanks, of which 3 were taken out in close combat. The greatest danger for the defense of Urdom was the appearance of 2 KV-1s, which could not be knocked out by our tanks nor targeted by the heavy Flak positioned in the area. Aware of their great importance, both tanks were personally knocked out in close combat by Major Feuker. This voluntary and independent action had decisive implications for the success of the defense.
Major Feuker died in close combat on the 30.11.1942 as he was defending his bunker with a few men. After his death the resistance that was made possible only through his strong personality abruptly collapsed due to the total failure of a different unit.
When the situation on the 29.11.1942 seemed almost hopeless, and annihilation appeared imminent, he sent the Regiment the following radio message: ‘The I. Bataillon holds and dies.’”
Awarded posthumously.