Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel

Unit:

5./Panzer-Regiment 25

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer 3./Panzer-Regiment 25

Awarded on:

May 9th, 1945

Hönniger’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 23.02.1945 Oberfeldwebel Hönniger, Zugführer in the 5./Panzer-Regiment 25 [Note: no typo, mistakenly assigned to this unit throughout document] received the order to attack the village of Sawüst (5 km north of Konitz) in cooperation with elements of Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7. Sawüst was at the time strongly occupied by enemy infantry and a heavy Pakfront, with artillery in support. A frontal attack from the north offered no prospect of success. Oberfeldwebel Hönniger thus made the decision to split up the Zug. He would take one group and launch a flank attack against the village, while 2 other Panzers would provide covering fire from the north of the village.

With 3 Panzers (including his own), Hönniger made it to the west entrance of the village unnoticed by the enemy. He then charged into Sawüst in a bold armoured ride. The attack from two sides put the enemy into total confusion. The village was captured and the enemy crushed, with the operation concluding without any friendly Panzer losses. Successes amounted to: 5 Sherman tanks, 11 anti-tank guns, 7 other artillery pieces, 12 trucks and numerous enemy dead. On this day Hönniger personally knocked out his 59th and 60th tank.

His self-reliant initiative and his swift, skillful and brave attack led to the capture of Sawüst despite a strong enemy defense, and with zero Panzer losses no less.”

To this was added a note by the divisional commander, Generalleutnant Mauss…

“Oberfeldwebel Hönniger, who has already proven himself in 65 armoured battles, achieved the reconquest of Sawüst (which had been taken by the enemy the day before in preparation for their continued attacks into the forested terrain north of the village) through bold and flexible leadership. By this action he prevented the intended enemy penetration into the extensive woodlands north of Konitz.

The Division holds Oberfeldwebel Hönniger as worthy for this high award.”


Unofficial award.