Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)

Unit:

Richtschütze 3./Schnelle-Abteilung 329

Awarded on:

April 16th, 1943

On the 26.02.1943 the Soviets attacked the front of the 329. Infanterie-Division between Wjaski and Werewkino. Söchting, in position here with his 7.5 cm Pak gun, managed to destroy 4 Soviet tanks in spite of the heaviest opposing fire.

During an attack on the same position shortly afterwards, on the 05.03.1943, Söchting destroyed a further 9 enemy tanks, which was of major help in defeating the Soviet breakthrough attempt here.

For this action, as well as his total of 16 enemy tanks destroyed by now, Söchting was awarded the Knight's Cross.