Erdmann, Hans

Date of birth:: December 25th, 1916 (Weißwasser in der Lausitz/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:: December 7th, 1942 (Krecetov/Russia, Soviet Union)
Buried on:: German War Cemetery Krasnodar-Apscheronsk
Nationality:: German

Biography

The remains of Hans Erdmann have not yet been found or were not yes identified. His name has been enscripted in a monument at the German War Cemetery Krasnodar-Apscheronsk.

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Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: 2. / Kradschützen-Bataillon 3
Awarded on:: January 23rd, 1942

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:: Kommandeur I. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 / 3. Panzer-Division
Awarded on:: December 10th, 1942

The following press article describes why Erdmann would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“At the start of December 1942 Hauptmann Hans Erdmann smashed the attack of strong enemy forces north of the Terek through his personal bravery and the flexible, determined leadership of his Kampfgruppe. In doing so he inflicted severe losses on the Soviets and heavily weakened their combat power. During the conclusion of this fighting, on the 07.12.1942, this model of a brave officer died a heroic death while at the head of his Panzergrenadiers.”

The defensive combat described here took place during the time period 05.-07.12.1942. In this time Hauptmann Erdmann repeatedly launched successful sallies from Kretschetoff in all directions. On the 06.12.1942 he captured over 1400 prisoners, 4 artillery pieces and numerous other weapons. When his Kampfgruppe moved out on the next day to clean up the situation once and for all, Hauptmann Erdmann died instantly when a mortar round struck his command SPW. His successor would go on to capture another 660 prisoners.

Awarded posthumously.