Paul Brucher (11 September 1916 – 18 March 1977) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 October 1941 as Leutnant and Zugführer in 3.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 447 / 137.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Brucher was awarded the Ritterkreuz:
“Leutnant Brucher demonstrated an unusually high level of bravery and readiness for duty during the defensive fighting in the Yelnya salient at the end of August 1941. On the 22 August 1941 his Zug managed to smash 8 strong Russian attacks in front of its positions thanks to the tireless and determined intervention by Leutnant Brucher. However on their 9th attempt the much superior Russian forces managed to enter into the 300 metre wide sector held by the Zug, which had been weakened by hours of concentrated artillery fire. Brucher stormed into the flank of the Russians with his last 2 available men without delay, personally firing an MG on the move as he did so. His ruthless dedication here proved to be enough to recapture the lost frontline.”
“Leutnant Brucher demonstrated an unusually high level of bravery and readiness for duty during the defensive fighting in the Yelnya salient at the end of August 1941. On the 22 August 1941 his Zug managed to smash 8 strong Russian attacks in front of its positions thanks to the tireless and determined intervention by Leutnant Brucher. However on their 9th attempt the much superior Russian forces managed to enter into the 300 metre wide sector held by the Zug, which had been weakened by hours of concentrated artillery fire. Brucher stormed into the flank of the Russians with his last 2 available men without delay, personally firing an MG on the move as he did so. His ruthless dedication here proved to be enough to recapture the lost frontline.”
Source :
Adolfo Diaz photo collection
https://reibert.info/media/paul-brucher-jpg.386249/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28731/Brucher-Paul.htm
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