Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 11, 6. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

June 18th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Panzer-Abteilung 2106, Panzer-Brigade 106 "Feldherrnhalle", Heer

Awarded on:

January 13th, 1945

On the 28.11.1944 strong American infantry and tank forces began an attack on the village of Barr. At the time the commander of the Panzerabteilung from the Panzer-Brigade 106 ‘Feldherrnhalle’, Hauptmann te Heesen, was located in the village. He immediately recognized the danger to his area and, on his own initiative, immediately took over the handful of Panzers available in the area. In a counterattack he destroyed 4 Sherman tanks with his own Panzer.

After its gun had been disabled, he dismounted the vehicle and knocked out another 2 Shermans with Panzerfausts. He continued to lead the battle and, with his small unit, succeeded in destroying 13 Sherman tanks while ejecting the Allied forces from Barr. With this the potential Allied breakthrough in this area (which could have presented a great danger for the whole frontline in the vicinity) was averted. Heesen would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for his efforts.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

2. Kompanie, I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 11, 6. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

October 10th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)