Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, III. Bataillon, Skijäger-Regiment 1, 1. Skijäger-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1944

The following excerpt from the Dresdener Zeitung (dated 09.12.1944) describes why Gladewitz received the Knight’s Cross…

“Three days of bitter combat around an outwork - The Knight’s Cross Action of Leutnant Gladewitz from Dresden:

After occupying the Vistula position the Bolsheviks penetrated into the German positions north of the Vistula bridge at Sandomierz with strong forces that included ferried-across tanks. This created the danger of the enemy occupying the as of yet unconquered hill positions on the western bank of the river. The fury of the enemy attack crashed against a Kompanie that was led by Leutnant Gladewitz. Realizing the full significance of his position, he completely stripped a wing of his frontline of its troops on his own initiative and formed these into a reserve. Over the course of numerous counterthrusts he was able to eject the much superior enemy from his position (an outwork) time and again. Although the Soviets preferred to attack at night Leutnant Gladewitz and his brave men were able to maintain control of the situation for three days and nights. They fought over every ruined house with impetuous counterthrusts and withstood the enemy onslaught (despite the constant harassing fire from the eastern bank of the Vistula) until German reserves arrived on the third day. All further enemy breakthrough attempts came to naught. The Führer awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to this Leutnant, who was heavily wounded during this heroic battle.”