Berger, Franz

Date of birth:: August 6th, 1916 (Vienna, Austria)
Date of death:: December 29th, 1942 (Rasguljajewka/Russia, Soviet Union)
Nationality:: Austrian (1938-1945, Reichsgau)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Hauptmann der Reserve (posthumously).

Career:
?: 11. / Infanterie-Regiment 130;
?: Chef 10. (Flak) / Schützen-Regiment 64;
? - December 29th, 1942: Führer 10. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 79.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Feldwebel der Reserve
Unit:: Stoßtruppführer 11. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 130, 45. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: July 19th, 1940

On the 09.06.1940 Feldwebel Berger received orders to force a crossing over both the Aisne river and the canal beyond it. He crossed over the Aisne in a pneumatic boat with only 3 other men, throwing hand grenades and firing his machine-pistol as he did so. He was wounded in the process, however he nonetheless managed to cross over to the river’s opposite bank and roll up the French fieldworks there along a width of 300 metres. This enabled additional German assault detachments to reach the opposite bank.

After mopping up the bank of the Aisne river itself, Feldwebel Berger then went forward to the Aisne canal with two assault detachments and managed to also create a bridgehead here. Although he was wounded twice over the course of the day he remained in the fight and ultimately enabled his entire Regiment to successfully conquer both water obstacles.

He would subsequently be awarded the Knight’s Cross for this action whilst recovering in a hospital.