Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Zugführer, 14. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 89, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

During the Third Defensive Battle of Aachen (16-18.11.1944) Feldwebel Knirsch played an important role in defeating the American breakthrough attempt towards Eschweiler in his position between Werth and Kalkofen.

When 15 American tanks overran the main battle line of the Grenadier-Regiment 89 and attacked a village beyond it, Feldwebel Knirsch went into battle against them with a Panzerschrek and eliminated 3 allied tanks in a short time. He then hastily assembled two anti-tank teams of 2 and 3 men respectively and led them forward along with Unteroffizier Josef Müller through the swampy terrain towards the enemy. Armed with hand grenades and mines, this group destroyed another 6 hostile tanks.

At this point the Americans were trying to roll-up the by now recaptured German main line with stronger infantry forces of their own. In response Feldwebel Knirsch launched himself against the Americans with his ad-hoc Zug. In a bitter close combat battle which lasted several hours, he and his handful of men were able to force the much larger Allied force to fall back. This resulted in the prevention of the American breakthrough attempt.

During the course of this fighting, on the 18.11.1944, Knirsch would be wounded near Eschweiler by shell splinters in his left upper arm and right thigh and be evacuated. However his actions during this battle had not gone unnoticed and he would later receive the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

14. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 89, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)