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Kunert, Gerhard
- Date of birth:
- February 17th, 1920 (Heidau-Ohlau/Silesia, Germany)
- Date of death:
- August 31st, 1944 (Mitau (Jelgava), Latvia)
- Nationality:
- German (1933-1945, Third Reich)
Biography
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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Awarded on:
- February 18th, 1943
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Awarded on:
- July 31st, 1943
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Obergefreiter
- Unit:
- Gruppenführer 6. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 / 4.Panzer-Division / XXXXVI.Panzer-Korps / 9.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte
- Awarded on:
- September 16th, 1943
2128th Award.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Unteroffizier (Corporal)
- Unit:
- Gruppenführer 6. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 / / 4.Panzer-Division / XXXIX.Panzer-Korps / 3.Panzerarmee / Heeresgruppe Nord
- Awarded on:
- October 4th, 1944
The following newspaper article (dated 16.10.1944) describes why Kunert received the Oakleaves…
“The Oakleaves After a Hero’s Death:
… During an attack southwest of Mitau, Unteroffizier Kunert was able to sustain the offensive drive of his entire Bataillon by launching a bold assault of his own at the head of his squad. When the German advance temporarily stalled in the face of a powerful enemy defense, Kunert eliminated a hostile MG crew despite being greatly endangered himself by Soviet tanks. After this he began the assault anew with a handful of Panzergrenadiers and led the attack until it reached its objective. A few days later this brave Unteroffizier died a hero’s death.”
606th Award.
“The Oakleaves After a Hero’s Death:
… During an attack southwest of Mitau, Unteroffizier Kunert was able to sustain the offensive drive of his entire Bataillon by launching a bold assault of his own at the head of his squad. When the German advance temporarily stalled in the face of a powerful enemy defense, Kunert eliminated a hostile MG crew despite being greatly endangered himself by Soviet tanks. After this he began the assault anew with a handful of Panzergrenadiers and led the attack until it reached its objective. A few days later this brave Unteroffizier died a hero’s death.”
606th Award.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- Photo 1: Wehrkundearchiv
- Photo: Deutsches Wehrkundearchiv
- - HUß, JÜRGEN & SONDERMANN, HEINZ-WERNER, Ritterkreuzträger im Mannschaftsstand 1941-1945, VDM Heinz Nickel, Zweibrücken, 2009.
- Die Ordensträger der Deutschen Wehrmacht (CD), VMD-Verlag GmbH, Osnabrück, 2002
- Kwasny A., Kwasny G., Die Eichenlaubträger 1940-1945 (CD), Deutsches Wehrkundearchiv, Lage-Waddenhausen, 2001
- Fellgiebel W.P., Elite of the Third Reich, The recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939-1945: A Reference, Helion & Company Limited, Solihull, 2003, ISBN 1-874622-46-9
- Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945
- Znaimer Tagblatt (Edition 244)
Photo
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