Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 7./Grenadier-Regiment 411

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1944

On the third day of the First Battle of Courland (18.10.1944) the II./Grenadier-Regiment was dispatched from the 122. Infanterie-Division to help the German division immediately adjacent to its right (the 121. Infanterie-Division). Among the reinforcements was Obergefreiter Franz Kottlowski.

Following the Bataillon’s sealing off of a Soviet penetration, Kottlowski conducted observation from the front line for a prolonged period and noticed that the Soviets seemed to be fairly inattentive in their positions. He determined that he could likely surprise and overwhelm them with a counterthrust at that stage. Acting on his own initiative, he stormed forward with a few men of his squad and entered the Soviet positions, causing a number of them to panic. Recognizing the importance of this development, first the rest of his Zug, then his Kompanie, and finally parts of the whole Bataillon entered into the counterthrust. By evening the old frontline was once again firmly in German hands, and 15 opposing tanks and 3 assault guns had been destroyed in the process.

By his actions Kottlowski secured both an important victory for his unit at a relatively small price, while also ensuring that it would not have to suffer heavier losses later. He would therefore be awarded the Knight’s Cross.