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Florin, Gerhard (Schützen-Regiment 111)

Date of birth:
February 5th, 1897 (Magdeburg/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
July 20th, 1942 (Lemberg / General Gouvernement)
Buried on:
German War Cemetery Potylicz / Potelitsch
Grave: UNK.
Nationality:
German

Biography

20.07.1942: Major, DOW in the Kriegslazarett Universitäts-Klinik in Lemberg

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
Unit:
Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Schützen-Regiment 111, 11. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
February 2nd, 1942
The following report describes why Florin was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Gerhard Florin joined the First World War as a volunteer. In the current war he has distinguished himself in the campaigns against Poland, France and Serbia. Since June 1941 he has served as a Hauptmann and Bataillon commander in the East. At the end of July he undertook a daring attack on his own initiative against a far superior enemy force that were trying to break through the German defenses. His suddenly executed strike surprised the enemy, and they sustained heavy losses. In a rapid follow-up thrust Florin pushed back the fleeing enemy against the positions of a German Schützen Bataillon. 6 artillery pieces, plentiful military equipment and 500 prisoners were the booty of this operation. Thanks to him an important crossroads remained in German hands, and the Division was relieved of a threatening situation. The continued pursuit of the Soviets led to the creation of the pocket at Uman. On the front before Moscow a thrust by Florin enabled the capture of a village as well as a breakthrough of the enemy’s defensive front by the Division.”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

1144th Award.

Sources

Photo