Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Abteilung, Flak-Regiment 43, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

November 3rd, 1942

Awarded for his actions on the 27.05.1942 during the battle of Gazala. On this day a force of about 65 British tanks began a potentially dangerous attack against the rear of the 15. Panzer-Division. In response Oberst Wolz and Major Gürke formed a 3 km long continuous front of 8.8 cm AA guns to counter the British advance. It succeeded in this task while claiming 24 British tanks destroyed. Gürke would be awarded the Knights’ Cross for his invaluable role in this very important tactical victory.