Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wachtmeister

Unit:

Vorgeschobener Beobachter 3. / Artillerie-Regiment 122

Awarded on:

June 17th, 1943

On the night of 05-06.06.1943 the Soviets penetrated into a segment of German frontline 30 km south of Staraya Russa, rolled up their positions on both sides and attempted to penetrate into the depths of German territory.

Wachtmeister Klar, a forward observer, was surrounded by the Soviets with 14 Grenadiers in his forward observation post, which was about 100 metres wide and 50 metres deep. He and his men were the last bulwark against the Soviet breakthrough, and were initially able to prevent the foe from expanding their gains. This was because from here Klar had a view of all important points in the area, and could direct devastating fire onto all hostile concentrations. Recognizing this, the Soviets tried everything to crush the German defenders here.

As such Klar and his men had to defend their position on all sides, fighting in bitter close combat. Every trench was hotly contested. The Soviets even tried to break the German resistance with tanks. Yet despite the unequal fight, the Germans were still not brought down. They threw grenades into the open hatches of the Soviet armour when their crews tried to orient themselves, and in this way they were able to knock out 2 enemy tanks.

For over 8 hours Klar and his men fought off the Soviets while under constant bombardment. After they had almost run out of ammunition, Klar ordered the German artillery to fire on his own position to prevent the Soviets from overrunning them. None of the Germans were injured as Klar had taught his fellow Grenadiers to press against the edge of their trenches, avoiding the worst of the artillery bombardment. Throughout all this time Klar’s reports were the basis for the firing orders of the whole Artillerie-Regiment 122 that operated against this enemy penetration.

An attempt by Klar and his comrades to breakout was however unsuccessful due to the enemy superiority, and after the radio had been knocked out contact with the outside German forces was lost.

On the next day (06.06.1943) other friendly forces began a counterattack, and by evening the two groups were in shouting distance of each other. After a bitter struggle the Soviets were finally thrown back and Klar’s group was freed. In the fighting during that time Klar (who had taken over a group of infantry and led them into an attack) was wounded in his lower leg.

For his courageous and decisive actions in the previous fighting, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross while in the hospital.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)