Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

MG-Schütze, 7. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 501, 290. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 16th, 1944

During the defensive battles of the 290. Infanterie-Division near Idriza in early 1944, the focus of the fighting was for the control of the handful of hilltop positions available. During the middle of March the Soviets tried to capture the Gora Height, which was defended by Obergefreiter Menke and his small group of soldiers. Over the course of several days Menke and his troops successfully defended the height against multiple Soviet attacks. After all their ammunition had been expended, and resupply could no longer be expected, Menke and his men fought off the Soviet infantry with Panzerfausts and in doing so enabled the Regiment to pull back its heavy weapons.

For his outstanding defense of the Gora Height, Obergefreiter Menke would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)