Friday, April 23, 2021

Enemy Elite Friday: Wend von Wietersheim (Germany)



"In heavy defensive fighting west of Kalinin on the night of the 19./20.10.1941, one of Wietersheim's weakened Bataillonen came under attack by superior Soviet forces, with its line being penetrated in several locations.  A Soviet breakthrough here would have resulted in their recapture of an important railway bridge over the Volga.  Wietersheim personally gathered up his scant reserve forces and led them into a counterattack, which successfully sealed off the Soviet break-in points."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on 10 February 1942.
 
"Oberst von Wietersheim was ordered to launch a counterattack with his Kampfgruppe whilst serving in the Toropez area at the end of November.  He thrust forward when a favorable opportunity presented itself, throwing back the far numerically superior Soviets in the process and thereby eliminating the imminent danger of a hostile breakthrough."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves citation, awarded on 12 January 1943.
 
"Awarded for the outstanding leadership of his 11. Panzer-Division during the battles on the southern sector of the eastern front throughout late 1943 and early 1944."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords citation, awarded on 26 March 1944.
 
Another capable enemy elite,
Brian & Mel

No comments:

Post a Comment