Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Adjutant Panzergrenadier-Regiment 126

Awarded on:

August 8th, 1944

During the fighting in Romania in early 1944 the German 23. Panzer-Division was involved in numerous efforts to reduce Soviet bridgeheads and establish tenable defensive lines. On the 30.05.1944 it launched an attack in order to secure important high ground overlooking the Jija river. Following bitter fighting they were able to capture several key hills, however later in the day the Russians retook Hill 185 and threatened to reverse the hard-won German gains made that day. It was at this point that Oberleutnant Henssler, the adjutant of the Pz.Gr.Rgt. 126, rallied some men from the regimental headquarters and retook the hill, despite being wounded three times in the process. For this feat he would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.