Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur II./Grenadier-Regiment 283 / 96. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

March 6th, 1944

On the 13.01.1944 the 96. Infanterie-Division began a local attack near Schepetowka, a move which the Soviets soon responded to with a counterattack of their own. Hauptmann Dumke drove a deep wedge into the Soviet counterattack that immediately brought it to a halt. The commander then swiftly built up a firm defensive line. Through this determined action contact was once again restored among the Regiment’s units, and a base for a planned counterattack on the following day was secured. Although Dumke was wounded for the fifth time during this battle he remained with his men. He would later be decorated with the Knight’s Cross for this successful action.