Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 2. / Flak-Regiment 18 (motorisiert)

Awarded on:

May 9th, 1942

Wiegand was awarded his Knight's Cross for his actions during the fighting around Saunu, in the African Theater.
He describes the action that led to his Knight's Cross in the following firsthand account…

"The Afrika Korps went on the offensive once again on the 21.01.1942. I was attached to Panzer-Regiment 5 (with about 20 Panzers) with the rest of my anti-aircraft Batterie, which consisted of two 8,8 cm guns. We passed through English lines on the night of the 22.01.1942, and were to prevent the withdrawal of strong English forces on the following day. On the afternoon of this day, a tank battle lasting several hours developed between our combat group and about 60 British tanks, with losses on both sides. Suddenly, during a pause in the fighting, Rommel showed up and ordered another relentless attack. I managed to maneuver my two 8.8 cm guns to fire into the British flank, and these shot up numerous tanks as well as all the enemy artillery. The enemy pulled back and left behind 21 tanks, some of which were left behind by their workshops and recovered intact."

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)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)