Otto Benzin (23 November 1910 - 3 July 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #785 on 31 December 1941 as Oberleutnant der Reserve and Chef 9.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 89 / 12.Infanterie-Division. Previously, Benzin’s reinforced 9. Kompanie launched an attack against Karnowschtschina on the morning of the 18 October 1941. The unit managed to achieve a surprise seizure of the village’s southern edge under covering fire from a half Zug of machine-guns. With this complete, the heavily fortified western edge of the village was then captured from the rear in bitter combat. 17 bunkers were stormed, and in their confusion the Soviets set off two large electrically detonated mines to the west of their position. A detachment of Soviet reinforcements coming from the east was held up by the now relocated MG half Zug and then crushed in a close-quarter melee. Benzin and his men then went on to repeat this exercise at the village of Nossowitzy, once again hitting the Soviets in the rear and destroying them. Benzin would subsequently be awarded the Ritterkreuz for his actions on this day.
He received the Eichenlaub #406 for his Ritterkreuz on 22 February 1944 as Major and Führer Grenadier-Regiment 89 / 12. Infanterie-Division. The medal was awarded for the achievements of his Regiment during the second winter battle of Vitebsk. In this time he and his men repeatedly prevented the Soviets from achieving a frontline penetration, achieving particularly notable success in this regard on 9-10 February 1944. Benzin’s actions during this time were very important for the concluding of this battle in the Germans’ favour.
Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
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