- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)
- Unit:
- Zugführer, 2. Kompanie, I. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 "Das Reich", 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich", Waffen-SS
- Awarded on:
- June 4th, 1944
Mühleck’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…
“SS-Untersturmführer Mühleck has repeatedly distinguished himself as a very brave and committed SS officer during the campaign in the East. His boldness in attack and staying power in defense is exemplary and has become directly proverbial in the Abteilung. On the 22.08.1943 in particular SS-Untersturmführer Mühleck demonstrated the highest personal bravery and prudent leadership, along with decisiveness and exemplary fighting spirit as a leader.
On the 22.08.1943 SS-Untersturmführer Mühleck and his Panther-Zug (4 Panzers) were positioned near Komuna (just east of Staraja Ljubotin) with the mission of preventing enemy armoured breakthroughs.
During the entire day the enemy attacked from the direction of Peressetschnaja with strong tank and infantry forces. Despite everything (including strong artillery fire, a Panther received a direct hit and burned out) SS-Untersturmführer Mühleck held his position and repelled all enemy tank/infantry attacks with repeated counterattacks of his own.
Due to the limited numbers of Panzers available, SS-Untersturmführer Mühleck had been given express orders by his commander to not advance across the German frontline on account of the enemy superiority and the partially unfavourable terrain conditions, things which created the danger of heavy friendly losses which in turn could compromise the completion of his defensive mission. Nonetheless, during the course of the combat, Mühleck would recognize favourable opportunities and launch these repeated counterattacks on his initiative as he saw fit.
Eventually 23 destroyed tanks, 2 Pak and 3 trucks would lay burning before his position. A large number of enemy dead covered the battlefield. Mühleck personally accounted for 7 tank kills in this battle.
SS-Untersturmführer Mühleck’s Panzer received an artillery hit on the muzzle brake that caused the main gun to be thrown back, and this broke Mühleck’s right forearm. Even so Mühleck remained with his Zug until the onset of dusk.
This singular act of valour can be exclusively attributed to the bravery and decisiveness of SS-Untersturmführer Mühleck. Through his actions he prevented the danger of an enemy breakthrough near Komuna.”
Submitted on January 5th 1944.
Preliminary document and decoration on June 7th to Heeresgruppe D.