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Sunday, March 21, 2021

Ritterkreuz Action of Wilhelm Brückner

Wilhelm Brückner (27 April 1915 - 15 November 1941) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 October 1941 as Unteroffizier der Reserve and Geschützführer in 14.(Panzerjäger) Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 253 / 34.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Brückner was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “Unteroffizier Brückner was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse for destroying 4 light, 3 medium and 2 heavy tanks on 3 September 1941. Later, on 10 September 1941, he and his medium cannon were positioned on the right wing of the Regiment as security against tanks. At around midday a 52 ton tank appeared, however he destroyed this through multiple hits to its rear. A short while later another 52 ton tank appeared, but Unteroffizier Brückner also dealt with it at the closest range. In order to completely destroy these two tanks the gun crew approached them under cover of darkness. They poured gasoline into the air vents and caused both 52 ton tanks to explode with hand grenades. By doing all this Unteroffizier Brückner prevented a breakthrough of the enemy on the right wing of the Regiment as well as the rolling up of the defensive sector towards the southwest and north.”


Source :
Peter van Holsteijn photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3895061483915896&set=gm.270151461225622
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28740/Br%FCckner-Wilhelm.htm

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