Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Grenadier-Regiment 422 / 126. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

March 11th, 1945

On the 20.02.1945 the Soviets began a major attack near Preekuln (located on the Courland front). The Grenadier-Regiment 422, which was located south of the city, was surrounded in the midday hours of the following day and Preekuln was declared a fortress. But on the following night Frotscher and his men commenced a breakout, and were able to fight through multiple opposing blocking lines until finally reaching friendly territory near Julesmuiza. Here they occupied a new defensive line.

The resistance of Frotscher and his Regiment were critical in preventing a Soviet breakthrough to Libau during this battle. Frotscher would receive the Knight’s Cross in recognition of this achievement.