Karl Koetz (8 February 1908 - 11 July 1977) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 2 October 1941 as Hauptmann and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 463 / 263.Infanterie-Division. On 17-18 August 1941 previously the 263. Infanterie-Division was deployed to the Yelnya salient, where they faced desperate Soviet attempts to push back the Germans. In this context Hauptmann Koetz and his Bataillon distinguished themselves near Jakowlewo in the fighting around Hill 256.9, also known as the “Chimborasso”, in the time period 17-28 August 1941. The Bataillon put up a tremendous fight against the overwhelming Soviet attacks, and for this Koetz would be decorated with the Ritterkreuz.
Koetz received the
Eichenlaub #374 for his Ritterkreuz on 24 January 1944 as Oberstleutnant
and Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 185 / 87.Infanterie-Division. On 13
December 1943 previously the Soviets began a major attack against the
key positions of the 3. Panzerarmee north of Vitebsk. Despite fierce
German resistance, the 87. Infanterie-Division became surrounded. It was
however able to break out on the 16 December 1943 along with the
subordinated Grenadier-Regiment 365 in the area Choljawki/Karewy,
Slyndiki. It reached the main battle line of the 20. Panzer-Division
near Ambrossenki (2 km northwest of Malaschenki), thus escaping the
trap. This breakout was only able to succeed due to the performance of
the Grenadier-Regiment 185, commanded by Oberstleutnant Koetz, and the
Sturm-Bataillon Hochgartz. For his role in saving his Division Koetz
would be decorated with the Eichenlaub.
Source :
https://alchetron.com/Karl-Koetz
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/39158/Koetz-Karl.htm
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