Friday, February 17, 2023

Enemy Elite Friday: Hans Andres (German)

 
 
"Hans Andres was a panzergrenadier machine-gunner during the fighting on the Southern sector of the eastern front in early 1944.  During the month of March his company launched an attempt to seize a village Southeast of Krivoi Rog.  While this was being undertaken the open flank of the company was counterattacked by about 150 Soviet soldiers.  Andres realized the gravity of the situation and took the Soviets under fire with his mg.  Due to his limited field of fire he crossed a creek and, under heavy fire, was able to take up a new and better firing position on the opposite bank.  Andres’ mg inflicted heavy losses on the Soviets and compelled them to pull back.  Andres was thus awarded the Knight’s Cross for pulling his company out of a potentially critical situation, however he unfortunately died in hospital from battle injuries before he could receive the award."  from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on May 4th, 1944 as Obergefreiter in Panzergrenadier Regiment 128 of the 23rd Panzer Division.
 
Another deadly enemy elite,
Brian & Mel

No comments:

Post a Comment