Friday, January 28, 2011

Enemy Elite Friday: Gotthard Heinrici (Germany)


 
"During Operation Barbarossa the swift advance of the XXXXIII Armee-Korps meant that it was able to reach the Berezina river at Schazilki on the 10.08.1941 with all its divisions a full 3 days earlier than expected.  The next day it crossed the Dnieper at Strechnin and succeeded in interdicting the Gomel—Shlobin railway line.  Because of this the Soviets were no longer able to prevent the encirclement and destruction of the 21st Army, despite dispatching truck-borne reinforcements from Gomel.  This success, of major importance for the successful conclusion of the Gomel—Shlobin pocket battle, was largely on account of Heinrici’s aggressive leadership and he was awarded the Knight’s Cross in recognition."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on 18 September 1941 as General der Infanterie and commanding General of XXXXIII Army Corps.
 
"Awarded for his Armee’s prevention of every Soviet breakthrough attempt east of Orsha while fighting along the Panther line."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves citation, awarded on 24 November 1943 as Generaloberst and Commander-in-Chief of the 4th Army.
 
"Awarded for his leadership of the 1. Panzer-Armee in February 1945, during which time he succeeded in halting the Soviet offensive arrayed against it before they overran the last still intact coalfield of Mährisch Ostrau."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords citation, awarded on 3 March 1945 as Generaloberst and Commander-in-Chief of the 1st Panzer Army.
 
Another capable enemy elite,
Brian

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