Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

MG-Schütze, 4. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 138, 3. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1943

On the 30.09.1943, near Gendelberg (50km SE of Zaporozhye), Obergefreiter Radesinsky found himself in a defensive position with his heavy machine-gun when the Soviets launched a major combined arms attack. Gendelberg itself was held but the Soviets were still able to penetrate the frontline of the right neighbouring unit and thus expose the right flank in Radesinsky’s sector. The Soviets wasted no time capitalizing on this, and tried to roll up the German main battle line in this area from the rear.

In the area of no-mans land on the right flank a 2 cm Flak cannon with ammunition remained abandoned after its crew had been taken out. Although Soviet forces were already present between this gun and Radesinsky’s position, Radesinsky realized the danger being posed and the opportunity this gun presented to stem the tide. With his assistant gunner (Gefreiter Fürhaupter) following him he rushed to the gun. While fighting towards it the two men took out at least 20 Soviet soldiers with grenades and SMGs. After they finally reached the gun they turned it onto a Soviet company attacking from the NW. Despite having not been trained in the weapon’s operation they were able to figure it out and smashed the attackers to pieces. After firing all the ammunition they rendered the gun unusable and returned to their original entrenchments.

In recognition of his contribution to the defense on this day, which helped the Germans to eventually stabilize the front in this sector, Radesinsky would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.

Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)