"In the heavy defensive battles east of Zhitomir, a reconnaissance
detachment patrol under the daring leadership of Sturmbannfiihrer
Weidinger proved itself repeatedly in outstanding performances. On
22.11.1943, the patrol was engaged in a heavy defensive battle in the
area around Negrebowka. To the north of the patrol were two enemy
regiments. To the west, a strong force of anti-tank weapons blocked off
and defended an enemy breakthrough towards the south near Sabalotsche. When an enemy patrol breached the positions of the reconnaissance
detachment in two places it was Weidinger who in personally conducted
counterattacks cleaned up the advances of the enemy again and again. In the afternoon, the enemy was able to gain a wide breakthrough at the neighboring position to the right and continued pushing until the
entire detachment was encircled. Even in this situation Weidinger kept a
clear head and ordered a counterattack with his weak reserves. Although
to the west a five-kilometer deep flank had to be defended, Weidinger
pulled out his reserve. To halt the break in the counterattack he fought
at night beside parts of 2. and 3. Kompanies. With seventeen men, Weidinger personally threw himself against the enemy
forces that had broken through the northern part of Negrebovka. He
stopped the attack, pushing the enemy back from the main line in a
counterattack that inflicted severe Russian losses. Although Weidinger
had orders to avoid stronger enemy resistance, he held his positions
until Panzergruppe Stadler brought relief. Due to his initiative,
determination, bravery, and setting a superior example, the bridgehead
at Negrebovka could be held. This was the basis for the successful
attack of the 1. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte" and the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division. Personal bravery; prudent, agile leadership; and great decisiveness make
SS-Sturmbannführer Weidinger worthy to wear this high award." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on April 21, 1944.
"At 2345 on 19.08.1944 Weidinger's regiment (SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4
"Der Führer") was ordered to advance west along the road Trun—St.
Lambert with the objective of establishing contact with German forces in
the almost sealed Falaise pocket, and thereafter assist them in their
retreat to the east. The next day Weidinger led his regiment (at the
time with a fighting strength of just over 400 men) towards Champosoult.
In a rapid attack the regiment reached the road junction 1 km northeast
of Goudehard at 12.00 with Weidinger himself leading his men in the
point company. He then attacked the Allies on their 6 km long northern
flank and took the height of St. Leger. They then held this position
against all attacks and thus kept the road open for German forces
fleeing the pocket." from his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves citation, awarded December 26, 1944.
"Awarded for Weidinger's command achievements in the Ardennes Offensive and in Hungary during the closing months of the war." from his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords citation, awarded on May 6, 1945.
NOTE
According to several sources this awarding was not confirmed by the
authorities. Confirmation
is made on the basis of a statement under oath to the Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger made by Generaloberst der Waffen-SS Sepp Dietrich.
A true enemy elite,
Brian
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