Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier

Unit:

Geschützführer 1./Flak-Regiment 36 (mot.)

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1942

Weiß was awarded the Knight's Cross for actions described in the following newspaper article...

"Unteroffizier Friedrich Weiß has particularly distinguished himself in the defensive battles around Staroje. As commander of an 8.8cm AA gun serving in the ground role, he stood firm during the defense of a strategically important position on the 04.08.1942, defeating the numerous enemy breakthrough attempts supported by tanks. His support was vital in defeating repeated attacks of the Soviets. His actions enabled the German infantry to occupy a new defensive line without interference, thus eliminating the danger of a Soviet breakthrough for good. Weiß was heavily wounded in these battles with the result that his left leg had to be amputated at the thigh. Up until now he has destroyed 36 enemy tanks as a Flak gunner and commander as well as numerous anti-tank gun, MG and mortar positions."

This stands in contrast to a letter written by Weiß on the 30.07.1943 from hospital in Würzburg...

"Destroyed 23 tanks in 35 minutes as a gunner in the Jarzewo area on the 18.07.1941. Destroyed my 28th tank in the battles around Vyazma on the 27.09.1941. Fought in the summer defensive battles around Rzhev. Destroyed 11 Soviet tanks in 6 hours and prevented a Soviet breakthrough. Lost my right leg due to shrapnel the same evening."