Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 12. Batterie, IV. Abteilung, Heeres-Flak-Abteilung, Heerestruppe

Awarded on:

October 7th, 1942

Here follows an excerpt from the divisional history of the 3. Infanterie-Division (mot) detailing the action on the 03.09.1942 which led to the award of the Knight's Cross for Oberleutnant Speckenheier...

"Utilizing a huge number of mortars, Katyushas, artillery and aircraft, the Soviets were able to crush our anti-tank weapons. They then broke through the positions of the 3./Kradschützen-Bataillon with 140 tanks, captured Hill 129.6 and thrusted three kilometres southwards to Hill 139.7. At this point Oberleutnant Speckenheier (3./Flak 312) began a counterattack with a force of light Flak, armoured cars and motorcycle troops. The sudden appearance of these forces bewildered the Soviet forces on Hill 129.6, who began to halt their advance and then retreat. Then there were German counterattacks on all sides. The Soviet tanks on Hill 139.7 rushed in to help but couldn’t reverse the situation, and were instead forced to retreat themselves. 23 enemy tanks were destroyed..."

For the recapture of Hill 129.6 with his hastily assembled force, Speckenheier was awarded the Knight's Cross.