Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 1st, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Zugführer 5. / Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland" / Armeeabteilung Narwa / Heeresgruppe Nord

Awarded on:

May 4th, 1944

The following press article describes why Famula would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Leutnant Famula led a group of Panzers southwest of Narva with the mission of tearing open and holding a path to German forces which had become constricted over the course of the heavy combat. In an audacious drive Famula rode at the head of his AFVs and engaged the bunkers on either side of the road, inflicted heavy losses and captured countless weaponry. A few days later, at another position, he eliminated 5 enemy tanks and in doing so held open a supply road once again. He inflicted heavy losses on the Soviets in a bout of nocturnal close combat, and thereafter destroyed 7 Soviet tanks out of a much larger force on the next day. For his aggressive and independent actions southwest of Narva Leutnant Famula (from the Grenadier-Regiment ‘Großdeutschland’) was recommended for the Knight’s Cross. However just before receiving the award he succumbed to severe injuries sustained in battle.”

Submitted on April 16th 1944.
Preliminary document on May 10th 1944 to Gen.Kdo. VI.AK.
Awarded posthumously.