Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)

Unit:

Richtkanonier 6./Artillerie-Regiment 333

Awarded on:

September 27th, 1943

In early September 1943 the Soviets succeeded in penetrating the German lines between the 333. & 62. Infanterie-Divisionen. The German forces dispatched to the area failed to seal off the breach, and the Soviets in turn commenced attempts to roll up the flanks of the German forces on either side, creating the danger of encirclement for the defenders.

During the course of this attack Soviet tanks and infantry approached the area of the 6./Artillerie-Regiment 333. In response gunner Heinz Goldberg began firing directly on the advancing enemy, initially bringing them to a halt. The nearby German artillerymen took advantage of the situation this created, and were able to recapture an overrun forward observer post. The gunners and drivers of another Batterie were able to recapture an exposed firing position against bitter enemy resistance. During the fighting Goldberg destroyed a total of 7 Soviet tanks with direct fire, and held this temporary front for 9 hours against constant Soviet pressure. The German artillery covered the retreat from the area, and were in turn able to escape without having to destroy/abandon any of their own artillery pieces.

Gefreiter Goldberg would receive the Knight’s Cross for his role in destroying the Soviet attack spearhead and preventing the foe from achieving an even greater success.