Moellendorff, Leonhard von

Date of birth:: September 28th, 1918 (Forstprignitz/Potsdam, Germany)
Date of death:: January 1st, 1945 (Houffalize, Belgium)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Rittmeister der Reserve
Unit:: Kommandeur III./Führer-Begleit-Brigade
Awarded on:: January 8th, 1945

Awarded for his actions during the Ardennes offensive. After being appointed commander of the III./Panzergrenadier-Regiment FBB following the loss of its previous leader in battle, Moellendorf particularly distinguished himself during the fighting around Hubermont. Here he was a model of bravery and steadfastness, always being ready to engage in close combat against broken-through Sherman tanks with Panzerfausts or other infantry AT weapons.

On the 02.01.1945 he would be fatally wounded during close combat with US troops that had broken through. However his brave command of the Bataillon in this battle created the preconditions for the armoured group of the FBB to throw the US troops back to their starting positions in a counterattack. Moellendorf would be awarded the Knight’s Cross on the basis of his achievements in these two actions, and for paying the ultimate sacrifice in the process.

Awarded posthumously.