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)

Rank:

SS-Hauptscharführer (Sergeant Major)

Unit:

Zugführer, 3. Kompanie, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1944

Grebarsche’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche has participated in the Polish, Western and Eastern campaigns.

He was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class and the Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze for his bravery as a squad leader during the western campaign. During the continued operations of the LSSAH (namely the winter battles at Leningrad and around Kharkov in 1943) he first fought as a squad leader before being temporarily assigned to the role of Kompanie commander after the previous one had become a casualty. While serving in this capacity he especially distinguished himself. He would be awarded the Iron Cross First Class on the 20.03.1943 for his achievements in the Kharkov area.

During the cracking of the enemy defensive belts north of Belgorod in July 1943, SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche again demonstrated the highest bravery in difficult crises. By staying close to the enemy near Bykowka following tough fighting in the field positions he eliminated several enemy anti-tank gun positions, and on his own initiative he created a bridgehead over the Worskla river with the few soldiers of his battered Zug.

In the more recently battles south and southeast of Zhitomir SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche particularly distinguished himself through outstanding bravery and prudent leadership on the night of the 18./19.11.1943 at Morosowka (south of Brussiloff) as well as on the next day during the attack on Jastrebenka.

On the 18.11.1943 the I./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 2 ‘LSSAH’, supported by a Panzer-Abteilung, moved out from Ssolowjewka and began an attack against the strongly defended area around Brussiloff. Following extremely bitter combat Morosowka was captured at 11:30, and with its capture a favourable position for a continued attack was secured.

However the enemy fought hard to retake the ground they had lost for the remainder of the day, utilizing all manner of weapons, tanks and strong infantry forces. Heavy casualties from the Bataillon led to various combat crises. On the night of the 18./19.11.1943, at 00:30, the enemy again attacked with about 2 battalions and about 10-15 tanks in support. Attacking Morosowka from the northeast, the Grenadier Kompanien in the foremost lines were overrun by strong enemy forces. The enemy penetrated into the northern part of the village and intended to continue their thrust to the south in order to cut off the only supply route to the Kampfgruppe of the Division ‘LSSAH’ that was thrusting to the Kiev—Zhitomir road.

At this critical time SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche’s Zug was deployed as a reserve in the middle of the village. He immediately recognized the danger posed by the enemy advance, and therefore commenced a counterthrust on his own initiative. Leading at the head of his handful of men, he pushed a force of Soviets advancing along a streambed back into the northern part of the village, and by utilizing a suitable hollow in the terrain he created a new frontline with his men from which a further counterthrust was launched at dawn with Panzer support. During the counterthrust of Grebarsche and his Zug the enemy lost 120 dead, 14 MGs plus numerous rifles and small-arms.

Thanks to the independent resolve shown by SS-Hauptscharführer Grebasche the enemy objective to cut off the only possible supply route to Kampfgruppe Frey (at the time engaged in hard combat at Kotscherowo along the Kiev—Zhitomir road) came to naught.

SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche would once again distinguish himself during the Bataillon’s attack on the 20.11.1943. Commenced with strong hostile flanking fire on both sides, its objective was to cut off the road east of Brussiloff. Though it was supported by Panzers, the assault bogged down due to the toughest enemy resistance along the southern edge of Jastrebenka. The enemy Pakfront located on the outskirts of the village denied every attack option to our own Panzers. Utilizing the onset of darkness, SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche and his handful of men worked their way towards the enemy anti-tank gun positions under the toughest of conditions. They eliminated several enemy anti-tank guns in close combat and penetrated into the southern part of the village alongside the SPW Bataillon (which was conducting an enveloping maneuver at the same time).

Through this action SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche laid the groundwork for a successful attack against the village, the capture of which also blocked the vital enemy supply road.

In all his battles SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche has shown himself to be one of our finest Zug (and eventually Kompanie) commanders. He has consistently demonstrated determined resolve and courageous bravado.

Due to his aforementioned acts of bravery, as well as his constant readiness for action, personal courage and absolute resilience during all defensive battles, I hold SS-Hauptscharführer Grebarsche as one who is worthy of being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross. I ask that he receive this high award.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)