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Sunday, September 26, 2021

Ritterkreuz Actions of Gerd Hein

Gerhard "Gerd" Hein (9 July 1916 - 6 June 2008) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (#212 Heer award) on 3 September 1940 as Unteroffizier der Reserve and Zugführer in 10.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 209 / 58. Infanterie-Division. During the urban combat at St. Evre (a suburb of Toul) on 19-20 June 1940, Unteroffizier Hein was able to achieve successes of great importance for the flow of the battle that also spared his Bataillon the pain of unnecessary casualties. During the attack on the suburb the right wing of the Bataillon was left open and it began taking heavy fire from houses that contained previously unidentified Allied forces. The Bataillon took significant losses and the entire assault threatened to stall. In response Hein took a squad from his Zug on his own initiative, and with this small unit he was able to clear the houses of the opponent. He would receive the Ritterkreuz for this action.

Hein received the Eichenlaub #120 for his Ritterkreuz on 6 September 1942 as Leutnant der Reserve and Führer 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 209 / 58.Infanterie-Division. The medal was awarded for the following actions: Breaking through the Stalin Line near Priluga, capturing a battery of guns, holding a strongpoint for three days of fighting in the forested terrain near Monastorek, defending against a night attack by about 12 tanks near Alexejewka, combat near Urisk (before Leningrad), and attacking into Lubcy (north of Novgorod) on 15 March 1942.


Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/39041/Hein-Gerhard.htm
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/photos-papers-propaganda-third-reich/ever-heard-lt-colonel-gerhard-hein-24445/

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