Action:
The non-armoured Kampfgruppe of the 25. Panzergrenadier-Division, commanded by Oberstleutnant Pröll, thrust through the Maginot line towards Hatten on the evening of 08.01.1945 under the cover of darkness. Following this, it became engaged in bitter urban combat around Hatten and Rittershofen in the time period 13.-19.01.1945. During this time, over the course of 8 days, Pröll succeeded with only 150 men in repelling 35 US attacks launched by two separate divisions. In the process they also managed to take a factory in the neighbouring sector and save its German garrison from inevitable destruction. For his performance during these battles Pröll would receive the Oak Leaves to his Knight’s Cross.
Details:
715th Award.