Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Zugführer, 1. Kompanie, Panzerjäger-Abteilung 95, 3. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 13th, 1944

On the 26.11.1943 the Soviets attacked the positions of the 3. Gebirgs-Division (located in the Nikopol bridgehead) with 4 rifle brigades and a unit of 70 brand-new T-34s. Numerous T-34s managed to penetrate into the German artillery positions east of the Bolschaja Beloserka-Dnjeprowka road, with some of these getting as far as just south of Dnjeprowka. However 51 Soviet tanks were ultimately lost in this action. Among the most active defending units was the anti-tank Zug of Leutnant Holzinger, which was credited with 15 kills.

The same Zug would destroy a further 9 tanks in February 1944 during the fighting near Marinskoje and Werchne Michailowka. In recognition of its successes, a Knight’s Cross recommendation was penned on the 05.04.1944 for Leutnant Holzinger. As justification, it cited the fact that the Zug had destroyed a total of 63 tanks and 34 anti-tank guns in just 3 months. Holzinger would receive the high award just over a week afterwards.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Panzerjäger-Kompanie 1095, Gebirgs-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 95, 3. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 9th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)