Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Führer, I. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment 196, 96. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

October 27th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 18th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 244

Awarded on:

November 22nd, 1943

Awarded for his actions while attached to the 31. Infanterie-Division in the area SSW of Gomel. On the 16.11.1943 the heavily weakened division (which reported a trench strength of just 16 officers, 114 NCOs and 598 men on the 31.10.1943) was attacked by overwhelming Soviet forces and forced to retreat to the northwest. Major Großkreutz and his Sturmgeschütze had the mission of covering this retreat.

Near Besujew the retreating German soldiers encountered a strong enemy group that was blocking the retreat route. Now not only was the destruction of the Kampfgruppe a serious possibility, but the consequent hole in the frontline would cause the collapse of the bridgehead at Reschitza.

After Großkreutz had learned of this, he decided on his own initiative to take some of his Sturmgeschütze to where the problem lay. Despite heavy Soviet anti-tank gun fire he drove to Besujew and, in an energetic attack, was able to smash the enemy group. The infantry, who took new courage from the bravery of Großkreutz and his assault guns, were reinvigorated and together the infantry and Sturmgeschütze were able to repel all further hostile attacks.

Großkreutz would receive the Knight’s Cross for this outstanding display of duty and its decisive result.