Walter Denkert (23 February 1897 - 9 July 1982) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 May 1944 as Oberst and Stellvertreter Divisions Führer 19. Panzer-Division. Denkert’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:
“Oberst Denkert had been assigned command of the 19. Panzer-Division, and in this capacity he launched an attack with his heavily weakened Kampfgruppe from the Skala area along the road towards the northwest on 31 March 1944. The Kampfgruppe succeeded in taking Gusztyn following extremely tough combat against much larger infantry and tank forces. Thereafter, following fluid and costly fighting for both sides, Losiacz was stormed, all while Oberst Denkert was continually inspiring his troops from the foremost line.
As contact with Gruppe Back did not exist at the time, Oberst Denkert decided to launch a further attack during the night. He would advance beyond Losiacz towards the northwest and assault an enemy position that was protecting Davidkowce from the eastern edge of a forest. Despite a heavy snowstorm he and his Division, along with the subordinated elements of the Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 16, succeeded in breaking through the strong anti-tank gun positions. Through the capture of this forest he created the preconditions for the capture of Davidkowce, which took place on the following day. The capture of this village was of great importance for the protection of Korpsgruppe Chevallerie’s northern flank as well as the prevention of the enemy’s goal to outflank this unit. Numerous tank kills were the measurable successes of this heavy combat. With this the decisive precondition for the thrust towards and across the Seret river for the bulk of the Korpsgruppe was attained.”
Submitted on 3 May 1944.
Preliminary document and decoration on 16 May 1944 to Heeresgruppe Nordukraine.
Source :
HILL60 photo collection
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2449452#p2449452
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/3405/Denkert-Walter.htm
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