Friday, November 9, 2012

Enemy Elite Friday: Wilhelm Adam (Prussia)


 
"Starting on the 21.11.1942, Oberst Adam held the decisive triangle Don—Railroad—Chir (northeast of Nish. Tschirakaja) against continual enemy assaults with a group of hastily assembled units under the command of the Romanian 3rd Army that were lacking in both numbers and equipment.  Despite having only the barest means of command and control available, Oberst Adam never shied away from the critical sectors of the combat and led his units from the front without regard for his own person.  By doing so he swiftly transformed his ad-hoc assemblage into a cohesive fighting force through the sheer strength of his personality.   He particularly proved himself on the 26.11.1942 as the bridgehead in his sector threatened to contract under the pressure from hours of enemy tank-supported assaults and significant friendly casualties.  Oberst Adam placed himself at the head of a few men, inspired them forwards in a counterattack and took back the old front line while also capturing abundant spoils of war. By doing so he restored the feeling of combat superiority in his troops for the remainder of the heavy defensive combat.  This decisive triangle, along with its important Don bridges, was ultimately held in spite of the difficulties that arose through both combat and bad weather.  Such an achievement is attributable to the inspiring personality of Oberst Adam and his unshakeable devotion to duty.  He is particularly worthy of receiving the high honor of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on December 17th, 1942 as Oberst of Armee Oberkommando 6
 
Another capable enemy elite,
Brian

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