Fritz Knöchlein (17 May 1911 - 28 January 1949) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 16 November 1944 as SS-Obersturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 "Norge" / 11.SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division "Nordland". Knöchlein’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows: “On the night of 29-30 October 1944 strong Russian forces launched a surprise enveloping attack towards the west with the aim of bypassing the road junction at Preekuln. By doing this they would break out of a decisively important frontline sector. Recognizing the significance of this move, SS-Obersturmbannführer Knöchlein made the decision to confront this danger on his right wing with a small number of cobbled-up men along with a concentration of his mobile anti-tank units. By launching a surprise night attack the oncoming crisis was rectified. The enemy also suffered such heavy losses that they were unable to execute a similar maneuver in this sector during the entirety of the following day. During this time SS-Obersturmbannführer Knöchlein (a hard and determined SS man and regimental commander) repeatedly demonstrated the highest willingness to do his duty. He provided the leadership during this decisive 24 hour period, overseeing all the necessary countermeasures. I thereby would like to submit SS-Obersturmbannführer Knöchlein for the high award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”
Source :
Denis Daum photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/13595/Kn%C3%B6chlein-Fritz.htm?fbclid=IwAR0KjRqKnmhDVe7qK1Yy9w2oxUEc4wpKYlAVC9F-jr-wFqcYPJDoL8RsveU
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