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Schwarzrock, Rudolf "Udo" (Pz-Gren.Reg."GD")

Date of birth:
June 19th, 1912 (Danzig-Langfuhr/Westprussia, Germany)
Date of death:
August 3rd, 1959 (Hannover/Lowersaxony, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

During the Second World War, Rudolf Schwarzrock reached the rank of Oberstleutnant. After the Second World War he served in the Bundeswehr, also reaching the rank of Oberstleutnant.

10.05.1940: Oberleutnant, Chef, 1. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 'Großdeutschland'
00.00.1941: Führer, 4. Kompanie, Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 99
00.00.1942: Chef, 12. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment ''Großdeutschland''
00.03.1942: awarded the DKiG with Infanterie-Regiment 'GD'
00.00.1942: Kdr, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Ersatz-Brigade ''Großdeutschland''
00.00.1943: Kdr, Ersatz-Abteilung Schnelle Truppen ''Großdeutschland''
00.00.1944: Kdr, I. Bataillon, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment ''Großdeutschland''
00.00.1944: Kdr, Panzer-Grenadier-Ersatz-Regiment ''Großdeutschland''
00.10.1944: Führer, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment ''Großdeutschland''
09.11.1944: promoted to Oberstleutnant (93)
00.02.1945: Kdr, Alarm-Regiment Schwarzrock, Alarm-Brigade 'Großdeutschland'
00.00.1945: Kdr, Grenadier-Ersatz-Brigade 'GD'

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland", Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland", Heer
Awarded on:
August 19th, 1944
The following article from the newspaper "Danziger Vorposten" (dated 30.08.1944) details why Major Schwarzrock received his Knight's Cross...

"The Führer has awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross to Major Udo Schwarzrock (from Danzig-Langfuhr).

This brave officer continues to lead his Bataillon in the Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland" even after six wounds and the loss of his left leg, resulting in him needing to use a walking stick.

Since March 1942 he has been a bearer of the German Cross in Gold.

When the Soviets launched a major attack on the Romanian front at the beginning of May 1944 (between Targul Frumos and the Sereth), Major Schwarzrock proved a shining example to his men. Despite their lack of experience, he was able to still inspire them on to victory and the Bolsheviks who had penetrated the line were thrown back.

The next day, following hours of artillery preparation, Soviet tanks rolled against the German positions. Major Schwarzrock took charge of two Pak guns and an infantry gun, and used these to destroy 5 enemy tanks. Another one was destroyed in close combat. Despite further onslaughts of enemy armour, Schwarzrock skillfully directed his troops back to the reserve positions, himself forming part of the rearguard. When the Bolsheviks moved to capture an important hill on the left flank, Schwarzrock launched a counterattack with the last available reserves and was able to take it back. He then held it until friendly forces were able to close the gap on the left wing and thus remove the danger of a breakthrough. During the course of the fighting, Major Schwarzrock was wounded twice but did not relinquish his command until the battle was won."
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
Chef, x. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 'Grossdeutschland'
Awarded on:
March 1942
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 22nd, 1941
Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres

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