Serck, Julius

Date of birth:: April 1st, 1917 (Avendorf auf Fehmarn/Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
Date of death:: February 24th, 1999 (Avendorf auf Fehmarn/Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberwachtmeister
Unit:: Zugführer, 3. Batterie, Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 300, Heer
Awarded on:: March 23rd, 1945

During the battles in Upper Silesia in early 1945, the 20. Panzer-Division and the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 300 found themselves outmatched by attacking Soviet forces. Due to Hitler's refusal to allow a retreat until it was too late, part of the 20. Panzer Division along with the III. Zug of the 3./Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 300 were encircled in Preiswitz.

These forces attempted to break out towards the southeast towards Nikolai, but were frustrated again and again due to enemy efforts to encircle the escaping forces once again. The six Sturmgeschütze of the III. Zug, commanded by Oberwachtmeister Serck, followed behind the leading Panzer units. As these guns, crowded with mounted infantry, crested a hill they saw a huge enemy force in the ravine below. Serck ordered his men to advance into this mass at full speed. Driving into the middle of the Soviet forces, numerous enemy artillery and AT guns were destroyed simply by rolling over them. The enemy forces fled in panic, and shortly afterwards the encircled German forces were able to break out for good.

For his role in this successful breakout, as well as earlier successes around Sohrau, Serck would receive the Knight's Cross.