Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel

Unit:

5./Jäger-Regiment 28

Awarded on:

January 10th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

5./Jäger-Regiment 5

Awarded on:

December 9th, 1944

The following newspaper article (dated 13.01.1945) describes why Wiechoczek received the Knight’s Cross…

“Brave Upper Silesian:

In the area south of Miskolc the Soviets relentlessly assailed the positions of a Troppau Jäger-Regiment with both armour and infantry. They wished to achieve a breakthrough under any circumstances, and their hopes of victory seemed to be fulfilled when they managed to penetrate into a militarily significant village in battalion strength. However this major threat was duly recognized by Leutnant Josef Wichoczck, the commander of a Jäger Kompanie. He thus shot up house after house with 6 of his Jägern as well as a light infantry gun before assaulting the enemy and bringing them to a halt. His well-laid fire inflicted heavy losses in men and materiel on the Bolsheviks, and they were put to flight. The initiative that he showed in this critical situation was of decisive battlefield importance for the German frontline in this sector, and in recognition of this deed the brave Jäger officer has been awarded the Knight’s Cross by the Führer.”