Friedrich, Gerhard (Panzergrenadier-Regiment 13)

Date of birth:: October 17th, 1909 (Breslau/Silesia, Germany)
Date of death:: May 8th, 1945 (Trautenau/Eastprussia, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Gerhard Friedrich reahced the rank of Oberst. He was reported misisng in action on May 8th, 1945 and was officially declared dead in 2001.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:: Kommandeur I. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 13 / 5. Panzer-Division
Awarded on:: April 6th, 1943

Awarded for his brave 7-day long defense of the key position of Chlepen at the end of November 1942, as part of the major defensive battle near Ssytschewka.

Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: Kommandeur I. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 13
Awarded on:: September 19th, 1943

Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: Kommandeur I. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 13
Awarded on:: January 10th, 1944

Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:: Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment 13
Awarded on:: November 3rd, 1944

Awarded for his achievements as a Panzergrenadier-Regiment commander, which included the following actions…

- Eliminating an enemy Pakfront near Menaciai (9 km east of Akmene) on the 16.08.1944 as part of Operation Doppelkopf.
- Capturing the heights on both sides of Martinynskiai on the 18.08.1944. 22 enemy guns were knocked out during this battle.
- Holding open the retreat route of the 5. Panzer-Division at the start of October 1944 on his own initiative with only a few Panzergrenadiers in a battle fought partially in bitter close combat.

642nd Award.