Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmman (Private 1st Class)

Unit:

Sprengtruppführer, 16.(Pionier) Kompanie, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer", 2. SS-Panzer-Division 'Das Reich', 6. SS-Panzer-Armee

Awarded on:

May 6th, 1945

Awarded for his actions during the fighting on the 12.-15.04.1945, during the retreat of the 2. SS-Pz.Div. ‘Das Reich’ from Hungary towards Vienna. The commander of III. Zug, 16. Kompanie, SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 4 ‘Der Führer’, SS-Hauptscharführer Mecklenburg, received the order to demolish a canal bridge in Vienna when it was threatened by enemy occupation. He assigned the completion of this task to SS-Sturmmann and squad leader Günther Lange, along with two of his soldiers. Even though this was apparently considered to be a suicide mission in terms of its’ difficulty, Lange was nonetheless able to complete it successfully, as described in the words of Lange himself as follows…

“All bridge abutments were loaded with charges and the usual preparations were made. An electric igniter was available, and it was connected to a 60 m long ignition cable along the riverbank. The men and I took cover behind bushes on the bank. We lay there for five hours, and as dusk broke we heard steps. We listened intently, and then after that everything went very fast. 30-40 Soviets were marching in columns over the bridge. With lightning speed I pressed the switch on the ignitor to blow the bridge. The Soviets were hit hard by the blast. Utilizing the confusion we immediately commenced our retreat.”

By this action Lange prevented the Soviets from getting into the rear of the Bataillonen of his Regiment.

awarded by SS-Obergruppenführer Dietrich, 6. SS-Panzerarmee.