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Austermann, Johannes (Grenadier-Regiment 1146)

Date of birth:
June 24th, 1906 (Castrop/Westphalia, Germany)
Date of death:
August 12th, 1973 (Waltrop/North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

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Awarded on:
January 26th, 1940
Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkehr des Memellandes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
May 19th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 3rd, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 19th, 1941
Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 27th, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
December 2nd, 1942
Krimschild (Stiftungs ausführing)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur II. / Grenadier-Regiment 1146 / 562.Volks-Grenadier-Division / XX.Armee-Korps/ 4.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord
Awarded on:
February 10th, 1945
Awarded for his actions near Scharfenweise (Ostrolenka) at the end of January 1945. In this time the Soviets attempted to interrupt the Germans’ ordered withdrawal movement via a regimental-sized thrust that had the support of 16 tanks. Major Austermann and his Bataillon were able to contain it with a counterattack of their own, and by doing so they held open an important road and shielded the Division from a potential flank threat. Austermann would be recognized appropriately for his ruthless and inspiring leadership during this time.

498th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photo