Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 2./Panzer-Regiment 35, 4. Panzer-Division

Awarded on:

January 12th, 1942

Wollschlaeger's Panzer company formed part of the spearhead of the 4. Panzer-Division during its capture of Orel during operation Typhoon. Against bitter resistance by Soviet paratroopers and air personnel Wollschlaeger's company played a major role in the seizing of the city via coup de main on 3.10.1941, thus averting a potentially costly urban battle. For his actions on this day Wollschlaeger received the Knight's Cross.