Rottensteiner, Johann

Date of birth:: August 9th, 1919 (Schwarzrau im Gebirge/Lower Austria, Austria)
Date of death:: June 7th, 2012
Nationality:: Austrian (1938-1945, Reichsgau)

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Obergefreiter (Corporal)
Unit:: Stabskompanie/Grenadier-Regiment 353
Awarded on:: February 18th, 1945

Awarded for actions during the Third Battle of Courland. On one day during this battle, under the cover of winter weather, the Soviets launched a platoon strength surprise attack on the positions of the Stabskompanie/Gren.Rgt. 353 and succeeded in penetrating the German line. Recognizing the danger, Rottensteiner quickly gathered up a few men and launched a counterattack on his own initiative. Despite heavy Soviet fire he and his small group were able to eject the opposing force with bloody losses, and bring the positions of the Stabskompanie back under German control. For this act he would receive the Knight’s Cross.