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Gorn, Walter

Date of birth:
September 24th, 1898 (Bieganin/Posen, Germany)
Date of death:
July 10th, 1968 (Rosenheim/Bavaria, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 16th, 1939
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 8th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur I. / Schützen-Regiment 10 / 9.Panzer-Division / XXXX.Armee-Korps (motorisiert) / 12.Armee
Awarded on:
April 20th, 1941
On the 10.04.1941 Major Gorn had the mission of advancing towards Debar via Gostivar with his small mixed Abteilung in order to establish contact with Italian troops. Following a swift, bold thrust against a much superior foe Gorn and his troops overran a strong hostile resistance line in front of Debar and then crushed 7 enemy batteries. 9 enemy batteries, 12 anti-tank guns and numerous additional war materiel was captured. This bold attack also liberated 800 Italian prisoners, which were armed and taken under command.

Through this action Gorn made a major contribution to the successful fighting in southern Serbia. For this, as well as for previously distinguishing himself on the 08.04.1941 at the Stracin Pass, he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

267th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
9.Panzer-Division
Awarded on:
February 8th, 1942
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Award 64/13.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Kradschützen-Bataillon 59 / 9.Panzer-Division / 2.Armee / Heeresgruppe B
Awarded on:
August 17th, 1942
Awarded for his achievements during the fighting for Voronezh in July 1942 (particularly near Bol.-Wereika on the 23.-25.07.1942).

113th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment 10
Awarded on:
June 8th, 1943
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern
Oberst Gorn and his Regiment had a decisive share in the smashing of Soviet breakthrough attempts near Rzhev from the 25.11.1942, specifically near Sytschewka (along the Wasusa river) and south of Loshki. During this time Gorn contributed to his Division’s freeing of the 129. Infanterie-Division and the destruction of cut-off enemy forces. In recognition of his actions here Gorn would receive the Swords to his Knight’s Cross.

30th Award.

Sources

  • Photo 1: Willi Schumacher Collection
  • - THOMAS, FRANZ & WEGMANN, GÜNTER, Die Eichenlaubträger 1940-1945, Biblio-Verlag, 1997.
    - 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
    - Patzwall K., Scherzer V., Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941-1945, Geschichte und Inhaber Band II, Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall, Norderstedt, 2001, ISBN 3-931533-45-X
    - Lexikon der Wehrmacht
    - Ritterkreuztraeger 1939 - 1945
    - Axis History Biographical Research via Axis History Forum

Photo