Gropp, Heinz (Waffen SS)

Date of birth:: January 19th, 1912 (Zwickau, Germany)
Date of death:: February 14th, 1990 (Ensdorf (Bavaria), Germany)
Service number:: SS-Nr.: 242.829 // NSDAP-Nr.:
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

00.09.1944: SS-Obersturmführer der Reserve, Chef, 2. Batterie, SS-Flak-Abteilung 9, 9. SS-Panzer-Division ‘Hohenstaufen’ - Chef, Einsatzgruppe - Operation Market Garden, Arnhem

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: August 17th, 1943

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: July 15th, 1944

Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: SS-Obersturmführer der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:: Führer, 2. Batterie, SS-Flak-Abteilung 9, 9. SS-Panzer-Division 'Hohenstaufen'
Awarded on:: May 6th, 1945

On the 22.03.1945 SS-Obersturmführer Gropp and his Batterie were positioned along the eastern edge of Lake Balaton between Vilonya and Berhida, and on this day he prevented a Soviet breakthrough towards Papkeszi. Over the course of the day the enemy attacked with about 40 tanks along with infantry, and were supported by mortars and 22 ground attack planes (the latter striking the Batterie a total of 5 times).

Gropp and his men were able to hold their ground, destroying numerous tanks and aircraft. In the process they held open the last escape route for the German forces that were fighting their way towards the southwest from Stuhlweißenburg. In the evening the Soviets occupied a bridge in the rear of the Batterie, and so Gropp decided to pull back that night via a clever ruse. Using the cover of darkness he crossed the bridge with all of the still operational guns and vehicles, and they proceeded to disappear into a ravine before the dumbfounded Soviets opened fire.

Gropp would be awarded for the Knight’s Cross as a result of this action.

Unofficial award.