SS-Standartenführer Wilhelm Mohnke (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 26 / 12.SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend") awarded the Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse and I.Klasse medals at once(!) to one of his brave soldier, SS-Unterscharführer Heinz Degenhardt. The award ceremony, held in Normandy in June 1944, apparently took place shortly after Degenhardt's heroic actions in battle, during which the outstanding soldier had no time to rest, so fatigue and sleepiness were clearly visible on his face! Mohnke's action of patting Degenhardt on the cheek was a symbol of a father's love for his son - as most of the soldiers of the 12th SS Division were young boys - as well as the commander's thanks to his soldiers (the same practice was practiced by Hitler himself). Degenhardt - born May 30, 1925 - would later die in battle against British forces in Arnhem on October 6, 1944, and buried among the unknown.
Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2025/05/upacara-penganugerahan-medali-untuk.html
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157995002/heinz-degenhardt
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