Hermann August Fredrich Priess
"During the closing of the ring around Demjansk by the Russians on the
03.02.1942, SS-Oberführer Priess was serving as the artillery Commander
within the Gruppe Eicke and had at his disposal all of the operational
artillery Batteries.
SS-Oberführer Priess launched attacks again and again in the most bitter
cold against enormous Russian superiority in men and material. With
only his few Batteries and nimble leadership. as well as his quick
personal reactions, he was able to smash the enemy.
In the fighting against enemy tanks, they had to use the artillery
employed in the direct fire mode, as they were lacking other defensive
weapons. They broke and annihilated the enemy infantry. In this time
SS-Oberführer Priess was always to be found at the most dangerous
places, and was an example to his men through his high personal
achievements. It is certain that without the aid of the always-reliable artillery,
together with the combination of the infantry, that the defeat of the
enemy here would have been impossible.
In the 41krn long positions of the cut-off Gruppe Eicke, they did not
cede one foot of ground to the Russians. The fight ended successfully
and the 'Fortress Demjansk' was held under the most difficult of
circumstances. This was a success of decisive importance, one that we
owe to the imaginative leadership and heroic, exemplary will of
SS-Oberführer Priess. His successes formed an important basis for the
later breaking of the ring around Demjansk." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on 28 April 1943.
"The excellent battle performance of the SS-Totenkopf Division in attack
and defense, not least the complete defensive success on 02.09.1943
that result in the destruction of 72 tanks, must be credited to the
personal and enthusiastic devotion to duty and example of
SS-Brigadeführer Priess. He is the lead fighter of his brave Division." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves citation, awarded on 9 September 1943.
"SS-Brigadeführer Priess, Commander of 3. SS-Panzer Division "Totenkopf",
has been known to me for a long time as an especially proven and
resolute officer. In the last round of combat he especially
distinguished himself in the Balta-Birsula area. In this time his
division was scattered, partially encircled to the right and left, and
had its rear guard connections cut off. Through his clear leadership and
independent decision making, he contributed considerably to holding the
Balta-Odessa railway line for a long length of time. This in turn
enabled the disengagement of the elements of the Korps and neighbouring
Armee situated farther to the east. Always remaining in the front line,
he stood firm with his division despite the heaviest challenges to its
security. He firmly and securely guided them and provided a great role
model for his men." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords citation, awarded on 24 April 1944.
Another deadly enemy elite,
Brian & Mel
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