Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)

Unit:

MG-Schütze 5./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 103

Awarded on:

July 4th, 1944

On the 24.04.1944 the II./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 103 found itself in defensive positions near Tighina. They were opposite the Soviet bridgehead over the Dniester at Tiraspol. Among the defenders was Gefreiter Plöntzke’s Zug, which was stationed for defense at an anti-tank ditch and two groups of houses.

The Soviets chose to attack here this day, and after they had set fire to the nearest house Plöntzke decided to leave his shell crater and utilize offense as the best defense. With his MG he took cover behind the burning house and took the Soviets under fire, allowing his Zug to follow him. After a short time he jumped up and ran to the next group of houses, firing his MG from the hip as he went. At first only a few comrades followed him. Despite heavy opposing fire Plöntzke cleared one house after another, and also went for the Soviets that had taken cover in an anti-tank ditch. He then crawled further forward with his Zug in tow and reached the 500 m distant railway embankment. He then held this position with a handful of men until the arrival of reinforcements.

Gefreiter Plöntzke’s independent actions here prevented a breakthrough by a strong Soviet force. Another result of the battle was the capture of 3 anti-tank guns, 36 prisoners and numerous small arms. Plöntzke would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross for his decisive performance here.