Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer 2./Aufklärungs-Abteilung (mot) 341

Awarded on:

February 22nd, 1942

In early December 1941 Oberfeldwebel Kunze received the order to establish a strongpoint at the village of Kamenskij Kolodesj with his Aufklärungs platoon reinforced by a Pionier squad. From here he was to prevent a thrust by Soviet forces into the right flank of the Division between the strongpoints of Leschtschinskaja Plota and Kirowka Liwenka.

The following account by Generalleutnant Henrici (dated 28.02.1942) describes how Kunze would come to receive the Knight’s Cross…

“Only weak forces were able to the Division for this task, as strong enemy forces supported by tanks tied down the bulk of our forces in the northern sector.

Operating with extraordinary skill, Kunze directed the construction of the positions and its structures in the time period 10.-20.12.1941 despite the great difficulties caused by both frost and the lack of essential equipment. Everything had to be done on a makeshift basis with primitive methods. In this time Kunze carefully prepared his plan to defend the strongpoint.

On the 20.12.1941 the enemy launched their first attack against the positions in company strength. The attack was repulsed. Kunze’s Zug was than reinforced with a 5-cm Pak gun and another Zug. The enemy repeated his attacks on the 21.12.1941. At 08:00 there was suddenly a coordinated heavy barrage from medium and light caliber guns on the strongpoint. Under this protection the Russians were able to make use of the ravines just in front of the strongpoint and approach to within 80-100 metres of it with strong forces. Oberfeldwebel Kunze clearly recognized the situation as quite critical. When the Russian artillery fire stopped at 09:00, and as the Russian infantry emerged from their cover to attack the strongpoint in strength of 3 companies, Oberfeldwebel Kunze had the resolve to allow the enemy to approach to within close range before abruptly opening fire with his MGs to overwhelm and destroy them. As the enemy got to about 40-60 steps away from the strongpoint, he ordered his MGs to begin firing. The Russian attack collapsed with heavy losses under this strong and unexpected defensive fire.

The execution and success of this plan is solely due to the powerful and energetic personality of Oberfeldwebel Kunze, who offered himself in an exemplary manner while leading the soldiers of his Kampfgruppe with bravery and outstanding talent. He understood the importance of his strongpoint for the whole defensive front of the Division as well as the need to instil his iron will into every one of his soldiers.

Shortly after this attack was defeated, strong enemy artillery fire recommenced. The enemy brought infantry and AT guns into direct firing positions, throwing the combined might of all of his weapons against the strongpoint. After an hours long barrage the Russians once again began an attack with strong elements at 21:00, this time from three sides. Yet this attack was also beaten off. This success was once again accountable to the personality, energetic influence and exemplary bravery of Oberfeldwebel Kunze. He understood it was necessary to always be an example to his soldiers in order to inspire them to hold out by giving them courage and hope. In this battle the telephone communications to the neighbouring Kampfgruppen were cut. The ammunition was also totally expended for the most part. An armoured car troop tasked with delivering ammunition and first aid supplies to the strong point was unable to make it through due to enemy intervention and had to turn around in the face of strong Russian AT fire. Another attempt to reach the strongpoint from the east was foiled.

Kunze’s soldiers had been exhausted from the hard fighting. In this almost hopeless condition Kunze nonetheless made the firm decision to hold onto the strongpoint. Another strong Russian attack, this time from three sides, commenced. Time and again his soldiers fought to hold out. As the ammunition began to dry up completely, Kunze began firing with signal flares out of desperation. However the sight of this unrecognizable ammunition put the Russians into a panic. The Germans were thus able to also fend off this Russian attack. Although the combined effect of the ammunition shortage and the substantial losses made the situation look hopeless, Kunze nonetheless decided to keep defending while trusting that he would eventually receive reinforcements and ammunition. Late in the night these finally arrived.

His decision to hold the strongpoint until the last man brought about a full victory. As a result of the handful of reinforcements and ammunition resupply it was possible to withstand further Russian attacks that were supported by armour. The strongpoint was held by Kunze and his Zug with grim determination until the 24.12.1941, when they were relieved. Despite the losses of soldiers and weapons, as well as the obvious hopelessness of the situation, Oberfeldwebel Kunze alone was able to keep his men going through his great bravery, exemplary calm and resourcefulness. His personal intervention and sacrifice, in connection with his iron will, was decisive for holding the strongpoint. Despite being fully alone - and without any support - the holding of this place prevented a breakthrough of the frontline at a decisive point. With no prospect of relief or support he nonetheless never deviated from his task of holding the strongpoint in the recognition that otherwise the front of the whole Division would be thrown into jeopardy.

Later, on the 06.01.1942, Oberfeldwebel Kunze once again fought fiercely to hold his newly assigned strongpoint at Kalinow against overwhelming enemy attacks supported by tanks. He did so until he along with a part of the garrison were crushed by Russian armour, a time in which Kunze died a hero’s death.

A shining example for all soldiers of the Division!

Alone with every comrade of this brave German man, I pay my respect and thanks to him and every fallen soldier of the Aufklärungs-Abteilung (mot) 341.”