Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 1. Batterie, I. Bataillon, Flaksturm-Regiment 35 (motorisiert), Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

April 28th, 1945

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

“On the 03.03.1945 Oberleutnant Radtke and his Batterie intercepted an enemy force that had broken through at Niederaussem. This force consisted of a tank regiment and two infantry regiments, however it was ultimately defeated and prevented from completing its breakthrough towards the Rhine river in a northeasterly direction. With this the enemy was prevented from accomplishing their aim of encircling our forces between Neuss and Bedburg. Such a result is attributable to the actions of the 1./Flak-Sturm-Regiment 35 (mot) along with the support of the remaining batteries of the Abteilung (which were employed in the infantry role).

After the enemy had broken through our frontline, their subsequent advance was virtually unopposed. During the early morning of the 03.03.1945 the enemy formation encountered the 1./Flak-Sturm-Regiment 35 (mot). The Batterie was able to contain the onslaught thanks to the outstanding leadership of Oberleutnant Radtke. The enemy tried to take the position over the course of the whole day, but all attacks were defeated. Oberleutnant Radtke was the soul of the resistance. His brave actions and determined leadership here forced the enemy to come to a halt with heavy losses.

When the enemy tried to strike into Stommeln from the village of Ingendorf at around 07:00 on that day, Oberleutnant Radtke guided indirect fire from his Abteilung down upon them from a close-in observation post. Then, using direct fire from his Batterie, he forced the enemy to retreat back to Ingendorf. The enemy’s subsequent attacks at around 10:00 and 13:00 (conducted with 20 tanks) were both bloodily repulsed under the fire of Oberleutnant Radtke’s Batterie. The enemy then tried to soften up our defensive position with artillery and mortars of their own. Oberleutnant Radtke rushed from gun to gun, encouraging his troops and maintaining firm control over his Batterie. After two hours of bombardment the enemy renewed their attack. 20 enemy tanks with infantry support struck from Fliesteden, while another 20 tanks moved against Stommeln from Ingendorf. Although Oberleutnant Radtke’s command was isolated and without the support of other weapons, it was possible to defeat this attack. He directed the fire of his guns with calm and confidence, providing an encouraging example for his troops in the process. 7 enemy tanks were destroyed in this hard battle with the enemy forces.

Discouraged by the heavy losses in men and materiel, the enemy decided to turn back. The way to Stommeln (guarded by the 1./Flak-Sturm-Regiment 35 (mot)) remained blocked. The Batterie had thus achieved a total defensive victory under the brave and determined leadership of Oberleutnant Radtke, and without support by other troop elements and weapons no less.

This battle by the 1./Flak-Sturm-Regiment 35 (mot) was of decisive importance for the continuation of combat in the left-Rhine area.”

An appendix included with the recommendation contains a record of the Batterie’s successes by this time. It amounted to 30 aircraft kills, 7 tank kills and 4 tank kill assists (11 aircraft kills, 7 tank kills and 3 tank kill assists were achieved after Radtke was awarded the Iron Cross First Class on the 09.09.1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 9th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 30th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 30th, 1943