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Fabritius, Albert

Date of birth:
January 31st, 1914 (Kaiserwerth/Rhineprovince, Germany)
Date of death:
June 12th, 2001 (Düsseldorf-Kaiserwerth/Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Albert Fabritius finally reached the rank of Leutnant.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wachtmeister
Unit:
Kompanie Truppführer 8. / Grenadier-Regiment 404 / 246. Volksgrenadier-Division
Awarded on:
February 9th, 1945
The following press article, dated 25.02.1945, describes why Fabritius would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“After heavy air attacks and artillery fire in the area around Euchen the enemy started their major assault on the 18.11.1944. Despite tough resistance the enemy was able to penetrate into the village in approximately regimental strength, and as such they were now in a position to continue advancing and achieve a breakthrough. Fabritius immediately recognized the danger, gathered a few men to himself and with these established a firm footing in three houses. He inflicted significant losses upon the oncoming enemy. Situated all on his own, Fabritius conducted this battle with his men and in doing so prevented the enemy’s breakthrough.

On the next day the enemy stormed the Oberfeldwebel’s strongpoint, and Fabritius went into captivity. From that moment onwards only one thought occupied him: Whatever the cost, the only solution is to escape! At an opportune time he subdued his guard and hid out until dawn. He tried his luck ten times, and it was only on the eleventh attempt that he succeeded in reaching friendly forces. Tattered and filthy, Fabritius reported to the Bataillon command post. But the enemy had already penetrated through the lines here. Disregarding his exhaustion, Fabritius once again plunged into battle with the Americans and prevented a further break-in by the enemy following hard combat.

Oberfeldwebel Fabritius stopped the enemy from expanding their penetration to the friendly artillery position with a combination of ruthless devotion to duty and bravery . This exemplary deed was decisive for the course of the fighting in the entire divisional sector.”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938

Sources

Photo