Schweitzer, Heinz (Panzergrenadier-Regiment 103)

Date of birth:: September 13th, 1925 (Radeberg/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:: September 5th, 1997 (Wuppertal/Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Unit:: MG-Schütze, 13. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 103, 14. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: July 9th, 1944

At the beginning of June 1944 the 14. Panzer-Division began a counterattack against a Soviet bridgehead over the Jyja river at Stanca, with the aim of eliminating it. In the course of doing so they had to contend with both difficult terrain and fierce Soviet defenses.

Schweitzer would be awarded the Knight's Cross for actions conducted in this fighting. Despite heavy Soviet fire he rushed to the threatened sector of his Kompanie and, while constantly changing position in the fluid situation, was able to inflict heavy losses on the Soviets. By his actions he was able to ensure that the planned attack of his Kompanie could be carried out, and this attack ultimately succeeded in reaching its assault objective according to schedule.