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Elflein, Walter

Date of birth:
December 10th, 1914 (Neustadt/Bavaria, Germany)
Date of death:
December 30th, 2000 (Lichtenfels/Bavaria, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Walter Elflein finally reached the rank of Major der Reserve.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
1. / Infanterie-Regiment 95
Awarded on:
December 26th, 1941
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
Führer 2. / Grenadier-Regiment 95 / 17. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:
October 8th, 1943
At the end of August 1943 Oberleutnant Elflein played a huge role in ensuring that his Division could disengage from the Mius. With his Kampfgruppe he succeeded in pushing back and smashing a force of broken-in Soviets via a counterattack he launched on his own initiative. This achievement made such an impression on the Soviets that they did not seek to press their advantage, and as such the German withdrawal was able to proceed without interference. Elflein would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for this achievement.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
Unit:
Kommandeur I. / Grenadier-Regiment 95
Awarded on:
December 5th, 1943
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
During the heavy fighting in the Nikopol bridgehead in November 1943 the Soviets succeeded in seizing a village of particular importance for the security of the bridgehead. In response Hauptmann Elflein launched a counterattack on his own initiative at the head of his 100 man strong Kampfgruppe, and this succeeded in ejecting the Soviets from the village. Over the next several days the Soviets made their own determined attempts to reconquer this village, attacking with infantry in up to regimental strength with the support of tanks. However they were consistently repelled by the efforts of Elflein and his men. Elflein would be awarded the Oakleaves for his actions here.

347th Award.

Sources

Photo