Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

VB-Funker, 6. Batterie, II. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment 11, 11. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 17th, 1945

Nitsch’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 23.02.1945 Obergefreiter Nitsch was serving as a radio operator at the forward observation post of the 6./Art.Rgt. 11. During the evening the II./Gr.Rgt. 2 commenced a counterattack with the aim of eliminating a hostile penetration north of Springeni. This friendly attack bogged down under fierce fire from enemy heavy machine-guns and anti-tank guns. The foe then immediately launched a counterthrust of their own with strong infantry forces.

Nitsch and his radio section were forced away from the forward observation post by the enemy fire. However, on his own initiative, Nitsch decided to set up his radio equipment anew whilst under torrential fire from enemy weapons. This highly distinguished radio operator then immediately restored contact with his Batterie in a remarkable demonstration of calm and fearlessness. A few moments later Nitsch had succeeded in directing the fire of his Batterie upon the enemy (despite the fact that he had no training in fire direction), and the whole enemy detachment was forced to go to ground. The enemy heavy machine-guns and anti-tank guns were also destroyed via concentrated fire.

When the friendly infantry were ordered to fall back to their jump-off position, Nitsch decided to hold out at his observation post and cover the withdrawal of the infantry via well-directed fire. He thereby had a decisive role in preventing the enemy from conducting an effective pursuit.

Nitch’s independent decision to cover the withdrawal movement was an invaluable factor for permitting the establishment of the old frontline and its reorganization for defense.

Obergefreiter Nitsch continued to hold out at his forward post until the radio equipment was destroyed by a direct anti-tank gun hit under his very hands. Although this badly wounded him in the hands and arms, he nonetheless grabbed the undamaged equipment haversack and proceeded to make his way back to friendly lines whilst under heavy hostile bombardment.

A regimental-sized attack against the II./Gr.Rgt. 2 at its temporary moment of weakness was defeated thanks to the bold and self-stemming initiative of this brave radio operator. With this a potentially disastrous enemy breakthrough in the direction of the Schrunden—Libau railway line was averted.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 5th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 22nd, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 16th, 1944