Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer, 2. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 412, 227. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 21st, 1944

The following newspaper article (dated 13.01.1945) describes why Wendt received the Knight’s Cross…

“Knight’s Cross for Oberfeldwebel Wendt (Harsewinkel):

Following a massive artillery bombardment the Bolsheviks launched a battalion-sized attack against the position of a single German Kompanie. They attacked from three sides at the same time, and soon broke into the farmhouses of a village.

Oberfeldwebel Wendt was the Zugführer of the Grenadiers that were positioned at this location, and he perceived the imminent danger of encirclement. He thus quickly pulled his men out of the farmhouses, reformed their ranks and launched a counterthrust after he had ruthlessly stripped his right wing in order to reinforce his gambit. The village was recaptured following bitter close combat, and the enemy was put to flight. The brave Oberfeldwebel continued pursuing the hostile forces, and continued to take prisoners far beyond the original main line of defense.

This counterthrust resulted in Bolshevik losses of over 50 dead plus numerous rifles and MGs. Such an outcome was achieved at the cost of only 1 lightly wounded man among the ranks of the Grenadiers. With this an imminent opposing breakthrough was prevented thanks to the bold initiative and brilliant tactical leadership displayed here by the commanding Oberfeldwebel. He has by now been awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross by the Führer in recognition of this exemplary conduct.”