Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Chef, 5. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 144, 3. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 8th, 1943

On the 25.12.1942 the Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 144 was encircled in Millerowo. On the 30.12.1942 the Soviets launched their heaviest attack on the German positions to date. Before Gruppe Kreysing (3. Gebirgs-Division) broke out of the pocket, Oberleutnant Wicke’s unit (located in the north-west part of the perimeter) came under Soviet attack but managed to repulse it. However, following this action, Wicke decided to capitalize on the vulnerability of the attacking force and thus assembled a Zug for a counterattack. This was immensely successful, as it destroyed a Soviet battalion and captured 5 anti-tank guns, 4 mortars, 10 machine-guns and over 100 rifles and submachine guns. Several Soviet field guns were also destroyed, and all of this was achieved without friendly losses. For his achievement on this day, Wicke would receive the Knight's Cross.