Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

Sturm-Pionier-Bataillon 43, Heer

Awarded on:

February 14th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 3. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon "Großdeutschland", Infanterie-Division (motorisiert) "Großdeutschland", Heer

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1942

1399th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon "Großdeutschland", Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland", Heer

Awarded on:

September 27th, 1943

On the 08.08.1943 strong Soviet infantry forces supported by 7 tanks began an attack on the eastern edge of Nowaja Rjabina (near Achtyrka), which was held by the GD Pionier-Bataillon under the command of Hauptmann Hückel. The Soviets lost some tanks to mines, and those tanks that did break into the village were engaged by Hückel’s Pioniere, which were armed with close combat weapons. 3 enemy tanks were destroyed in this way and the German frontline in the area, a mere chain of strongpoints, was held.

During the following night Hauptmann Hückel realized that the Soviets had entered the unoccupied neighbouring village of Staraja Rjabina, taking advantage of the gap in the German frontline. He thereby decided to deal with the unwanted infiltrators as soon as possible.

And so in the early morning hours of the 09.08.1943, Hückel and two of his Pionier-Kompanien silently entered the village. Using their lethal array of close combat weapons, they were able to eject the Soviets following a bitter house to house battle that lasted about one-and-a-half hours. The Pioniere were once again firmly in control of the village by sunrise.

For these achievements Hückel would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.