Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 1. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Jäger-Regiment 227, 100. Jäger-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 18th, 1945

During late January 1945 Oberleutnant Wagner and his 1./Jg.Rgt. 227 were dispatched to the northwestern edge of Krappitz (located on the Oder river), and they initially occupied a paper factory along the river. But it was not long afterwards that a patrol dispatched towards the railway bridge confirmed that the Soviets were across the Oder in platoon strength. However reinforcements were currently unavailable for the Kompanie’s employment, and so the bridgehead remained as it was for some time.

Later, on the morning of the 30.01.1945, the left wing Zug of the Kompanie reported an incoming Soviet column. Wagner thusly regrouped his forces whilst his I. Zug succeeded in forcing the Soviets to ground with multiple bursts from its two heavy machine-guns.

Meanwhile Wagner had repositioned two of his other Züge and 3 heavy machine-guns within a lumber yard of the paper factory, whilst his last Zug was positioned 400 metres to the right with a further heavy machine-gun. This final (II.) Zug was charged with covering the Soviet bridgehead itself.

Soon after digging in here the Kompanie was charged by a strong Soviet force from a distance of 100-150 metres. The Soviets were again soon forced to ground by the defensive fire, however they tried to swing to the right and bypass the strongpoint. The commander of II. Zug recognized the situation for what it was and ordered his MGs to reorient 90 degrees to the left and take the Soviets under effective fire. Both Züge on the left wing used the confusion to turn halfway towards the right, and with this the Soviet group (estimated at 1000 men strong) was caught in a pincer-like defense. It was practically crushed after about an hour of combat, and those who were not killed or badly wounded fled towards the Oder.

But the battle was not over yet. The Kompanie had precious little time before a new Soviet formation emerged from a trout creek. The centreline Zug and two heavy machine-guns displaced to the left, and the entire Kompanie held its fire in order to conserve its ammunition. Fire was opened up again at a range of 100 metres.

The Soviets then suddenly ceased fire. A group of about 200 came forward waving white flags. However they were still bearing weapons, and they did not hear the German calls to put up their hands. It turned out that this group was feigning surrender and began to fire eventually, and the Germans returned the favour at the same time. Almost the entire group was wiped out, however by now the Kompanie had almost completely expended its ammunition.

Then Soviet tanks appeared from a half-left direction. The Jäger were initially terrified, but soon encouraged when they learned that 3 German Sturmgeschütze were holding them back from a range of 500 metres. The Kompanie tried to make contact with this group, however 3 messengers were wounded one after another while trying to reach them. Wagner thus decided to personally fetch help from the Sturmgeschütze, transferring command to his oldest Zugführer before dashing off towards them. He was somehow able to make it there and deliver the message, and he subsequently rushed back to his Kompanie without being hurt.

The Sturmgeschütze rolled forwards, and after 200 metres of movement they reached a good firing position and began pouring high-explosive shells into the Soviet ranks. The Kompanie now used the resultant confusion to launch a counterthrust with what was left of its ammunition. This proved to be too much for the Soviets. The majority fled while others tossed aside their weapons and surrendered. The 1./Jg.Rgt. 227 thus managed to claim victory in an almost hopeless battle.

The engagement lasted a total of almost four hours. Almost 1100 Soviet dead were counted, and a further ~150 (mostly wounded) troops were captured. The Kompanie itself had had incredible luck, having sustained losses of only 20 wounded men. This feat was rendered all the more impressive when prisoner statements revealed that this attacking Soviet group (which was trying to break through to the Oder road bridge) was over 2500 men strong.

Oberleutnant Wagner was consequently awarded the Knight’s Cross for achieving such an impressive victory with his men on this day.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)