Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 7. / Infanterie-Regiment 220

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1941

During the late summer of 1941 Oberleutnant Mach and his Kompanie distinguished themselves at the village of Koporje. After the Germans had seized the village Mach and his 7. Kompanie had the task of securing the village edge from a forward position. His orders were to withdraw with his unit in the event of a major attack and await relief forces. Koporje was located atop an important hill, and it was not long before the Soviets attacked it with strong forces. The first attack on the 01.09.1941 was repulsed, however a powerful attack took place on the next day with tank support. Oberleutnant Mach pulled back with his Kompanie, and the abandonment of the village was briefly considered. However, without higher orders to do so, Mach decided to instead launch an immediate counterattack with all available forces. After heavy fighting the Germans managed to retain their hold over the village.

The recapture and holding of the village and the hill on which it lay were decisive for the continuation of combat in this area, and so Hauptmann Mach was awarded the Knight’s Cross in recognition of this feat.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)