Mahnken, Heinrich

Date of birth:: July 5th, 1889
Date of death:: July 10th, 1944
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Rittmeister der Reserve.

Career:
Kommandeur, Aufklärungs-Abteilung 299.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Rittmeister der Reserve
Unit:: Kommandeur, Aufklärungs-Abteilung 299, 299. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: April 5th, 1942

The following newspaper article describes why Mahnken was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Rittmeister Heinrich Mahnken and his Aufklärungs-Abteilung found themselves totally alone as they fought for seven weeks within an area that was 60 square kilometres in size. Their mission throughout this time was to reconnoiter and secure the open flank of an Armeekorps. His superior leadership enabled his troops to divert and tie down vastly superior enemy forces. Through his repeatedly demonstrated initiative and outstanding personal bravery, he achieved an outstanding success that was of great importance for the continued conduct of the combat in the region.”