Friday, April 16, 2010

Enemy Elite Friday: Günther Adolf Ferdinand von Kluge (Germany)

 

 
"During the Polish campaign the 4 Armee crossed over the Vistula river near Graudenz and established contact with Heeresgruppe SüdThe Führer awarded him the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on the 01.10.1939 in recognition of his achievements during the Polish campaign.  It is also known that Kluge especially distinguished himself while fighting through the Tuchola forest."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on September 30, 1939.

"During the Eastern campaign Kluge performed well in more than just those times of relentless forward advance.  He also, and notably, distinguished himself during the hard defensive combat in the winter of 1941/42 and in the months that followed.  Throughout this time the Russians attacked with massive forces and overwhelming amounts of materiel, however they were always defeated with bloody losses."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves citation, awarded on January 18, 1943.

"Awarded for his command achievements in the east during the summer of 1943.  The overwhelming Soviet superiority required a commander well-versed in the defense, and Kluge showed himself to be quite suitable for this role given the resources he had at his disposal."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords citation, awarded on March 30, 1944.

A capable enemy elite,
Brian

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