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Fortun, Horst Karl Wilhelm

Date of birth:
March 4th, 1917 (Neustadt/Pomerania, Germany)
Date of death:
July 6th, 1943 (south of Belgorod/Belgorod Oblast, Soviet Union)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
June 1st, 1940: Oberleutnant (RDA -1078-);
March 1st, 1942: Hauptmann (RDA -480a-);
July 1st, 1943: Major (postuum bevorderd).

Career:
?: I. / Panzer-Regiment 23;
?: Kommandeur I. / Panzer-Regiment 25;
July 1942: Generalstabslehrgang;
?: Kommandeur I. / Panzer-Regiment 25.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 6th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 29th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
3. Kompanie, I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 25, 7. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
April 2nd, 1942
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:
Kommandeur, I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 25, 7. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
August 7th, 1943
Awarded for his actions during Operation Citadel. On the 06.07.1943 the attack of the 7. Panzer-Division became pinned down north of Krutoj Log. At this moment Hauptmann Fortun regrouped his Abteilung and then, on his own initiative, thrust deeply into the Soviet defensive system from the flank with his Panzers. Fortun was killed in battle while executing this deed at the head of his troops. However his actions enabled the Regiment to continue its breakthrough battle and ultimately ensured the Division’s success on this day. This was vital for the continued offensive operations of the entire Division.

Submitted on August 4th 1943.
Preliminary document and decoration on August 8th 1943 to stellv.Gen.Kdo. IX. AK.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Silver version.
Panzerkampfabzeichen (ohne Zahl)

Sources

Photo