Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Zugführer 6. / Grenadier-Regiment 189 / 81. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

March 23rd, 1945

The following excerpt from the 16. Armee’s field newspaper describes why Feldwebel Mielke would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“At the beginning of the Fifth Battle of Courland the Bolsheviks succeeded in achieving a penetration south of Tukkum on the right wing of the Bataillon, and thereafter tried to capture an important crossroads located to the rear of the frontline. Feldwebel Mielke, who was fighting in the vicinity of this location, immediately recognized the danger. He gathered up 8 Grenadiers and launched himself against the superior enemy force. Storming ahead with his machine-pistol, he inspired the small group forwards despite the heavy fire from Soviet field guns, anti-tank guns and mortars. He swiftly brought the attack to a halt, forced the enemy back with unstoppable drive and closed the frontline gap.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)