Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

18./Infanterie-Regiment "GD"

Awarded on:

August 21st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur II./PzGrenRgt "Großdeutschland"

Awarded on:

January 18th, 1945

On the afternoon of the 06.10.1944, in the Lithuanian/East Prussian border area, strong Soviet forces were reported as attacking the communications hub of Luoke. In response a Kampfgruppe was formed under the command of Major Fabich, consisting of the II./Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment Großdeutschland, the III./Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment Großdeutschland and the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 303. However the Soviet forces were far superior in numbers, and they quickly managed to encircle the German Kampfgruppe.

Due to hostile breakthroughs in other areas, the German high command realized that holding Luoke was no longer tenable and ordering the defending troops to breakout towards the East Prussian defense position near Memel. Leading the breakout were the soldiers of the Großdeutschland division, who destroyed many Soviet tanks with Panzerfausts. With the support of 3 Panzers, Major Sommer broke through the Soviet encirclement ring, and despite sustaining heavy losses the Germans managed to reach their own lines on the evening of the 07.10.1944.

For his role in the breakout effort Sommer was decorated with the Knight's Cross.

As commander of II./PzGrenRgt "Großdeutschland".

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)