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Fricke, Ernst-August (Infanterie-Regiment 76)

Date of birth:
May 11th, 1911 (Hamburg-Altona, Germany)
Date of death:
November 9th, 1943 (Königsberg, Eastern Prussia, Germany)
Buried on:
German War Graves Hamburg-Altona
Plot: XVI. Grave: 20a.
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
1930: Polizeischüler
1935: Unteroffizier
1940: Leutnant
1940: Oberleutnant
1942: Hauptmann
1943: Major
1943: Oberstleutnant posthum

Career:
1930: entered the Hamburger Polizei
01.08.1935: entered as Unteroffizier in the Infanterie-Regiment 76
1939: campaign in Poland
01.02.1940: activated and promoted to Leutnant
05.1940: campaign in France and promotion to Oberleutnant as Chef - 7. Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 76
06.1941: campaign in Russia
Winter 1941/42: distinguished himself during the retreat from Tichwin to Wolchow
01.02.1942: promoted to Hauptmann
07.1942: Kommandeur - II. Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 76 - 20. ID
01.01.1943: promoted to Major
08.1943: distinguished himself again during the fightings for the strategic road north of Orel
13.08.1943: severely WIA and sent to the Lazarett near Königsberg
Ernst-August Fricke died on 9th November 1943, by the wounds received on 13th August 1943 and posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
November 6th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 24th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
Chef, 7. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 76 (motorisiert), 20.Infanterie-Division, XXXIX. Armee-Korps, 16. Armee, Heeresgruppe Nord
Awarded on:
January 17th, 1942
The following excerpt describes why Fricke would receive the Knight’s Cross…

“The position of the Infanterie-Regiment 76 (located southwest of the railway junction west of Ostrowo) was of decisive importance for the march movements of the XXXIX. Armee-Korps. Utilizing the advantages of the impenetrable ancient forest, the regiments of the Russian 4th Guards-Division assailed this position for days, yet in vain. Oberleutnant Fricke led his gathered up troops forwards with unstoppable energy, overran three enemy blocking lines, captured (among other things) 10 mortars, and eliminated the entire enemy garrison. This decisive success alone enabled the Regiment to continue to keep the railroad junction under friendly control, a success which by consequence was critical for the movements of the XXXIX. Armee-Korps.”

816th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

1872nd Award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 76 (motorisiert), 20.Panzergrenadier-Division, LIII. Armee-Korps, 9. Armee, 4. Panzer-Armee
Awarded on:
November 30th, 1943
The following press article describes why Fricke would receive the Oakleaves as follows…

“At the end of July 1943 Major Fricke and his Hessian-Thüringian Bataillon were able to repel the repeated attacks of far numerically superior enemy forces that were trying to force their way through to an important German supply road north of Orel. While Major Fricke was fending off the frontal attacks set against him, the Soviets penetrated into the sector of the left neighbour in regimental strength. Major Fricke immediately set up a blocking line, personally directed every single man into position while under strong artillery/mortar fire, and inspired the men of every resistance nest to fight to the utmost. By this he laid the groundwork for the creation of a new defensive front.”

341st Award.
Awarded posthumously
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 25th, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Awarded on:
1943
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold

Sources

Photos