Wienrich, Arno

Date of birth:: January 12th, 1922 (Blumstein/East Prussia, Germany)
Date of death:: June 14th, 1972 (Lüneburg/Lower Saxony, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Arno Weinrich finally reached the rank of Unteroffizier. After the Second World War he served from 1956 until 1972 with the Bundeswehr, finally reaching the rank of Hauptfeldwebel.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Stabsgefreiter (Staff Lance Corporal)
Unit:: VB-Funker 2. / Artillerie-Regiment 11 / 11. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: May 6th, 1945

During the Sixth Battle of Courland (18.03 - 31.03.1945), the German Artillerie-Regiment 11 was among the units assigned as artillery support for the frontline. Stabsgefreiter Wienrich was at this time serving as a forward observer. When the Soviets succeeded in encircling a German strongpoint near Frauenburg, it was Wienrich who in spite of strong enemy fire successfully directed the German artillery onto the attacking force. The result was that the Soviets stopped their attack and withdrew. Wienrich was then wounded in action, but continued to direct the German fire control in this area for another 12 hours under severe pain until a replacement finally arrived.

For his contributions to the successful outcome of this battle in spite of the tough circumstances, Wienrich received the Knight's Cross.