Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 286

Awarded on:

January 25th, 1945

On 5 December 1944 Wagner's Sturmgeschütze played a crucial role in blunting a Soviet breakthrough aimed towards the northwest, near Pásztó. His vehicles shot up a number of Soviet tanks and forced the survivors and their accompanying infantry to break off the attack. He then rallied a number of fleeing Flak gunners of the 18. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Horst Wessel" and got them to reoccupy their gun emplacements. Between these and his own assault guns Wagner was able to establish a blocking position that held for several days without reinforcements. For this accomplishment he was awarded the Knight's Cross.