"During the early morning of this day, the first day of Christmas, the
Bulgarians attacked through the thick mist following an hour-long
artillery barrage. Along with the support of elite communist troops,
they succeeded in achieving a penetration. Strong enemy forces swiftly
dug in behind our frontline in order to consolidate their control over
the village and the nearby friendly field works. The situation appeared
hopeless.
The attacking Bulgarian-Russian brigade sustained heavy losses in this fight, 300 dead Bolsheviks littered the battlefield.
Totally alone, and without any contact with his superiors, Audenrieth
commenced a counter-thrust with just 2 men. His aim was to crush the much
larger enemy force.
Under fire from numerous enemy weapons, he managed to throw back the foe
in close combat. He succeeded in once again restoring contact with the
left neighbor. 52 dead Bolsheviks covered the battlefield. 1 officer and 17 men were
personally taken prisoner by Audenrieth. He also captured 7 MGs, 20
machine-pistols and numerous rifles.
It was Audenrieth’s bravery and decisiveness which ensured the
elimination of the enemy penetration here and the holding of the
defensive front in this sector. I congratulate both Oberjäger Audenrieth and the entire regiment in
light of this high honor. On behalf of the whole division, I also give
him my thanks for the outstanding merit he has wrought on the
battlefield." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on February 10th, 1945 as Stabsgefreiter of Gebirgsjäger Regiment 99 in the 1st Mountain Division.
Another capable enemy elite,
Brian
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