Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Zugführer 8./Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland"

Awarded on:

December 9th, 1944

During the fighting near Courland in October 1944, the II./Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment "GD" became encircled by the Soviets near Luoke (in Lithuania). In this critical situation Plikat and his Pak Zug provided crucial support to the hard pressed Panzergrenadiers. His Pak guns destroyed 4 enemy tanks that blocked the escape route of the battalion. Plikat, despite being wounded in this battle (his third time during the war) remained in the fight and fought at the head of his Zug in the retreat of the German units here to the West.

The destruction of these 4 enemy tanks were crucial for the successful breakout of the German troops at Luoke, and in recognition of this fact Plikat would receive the Knight’s Cross for his leadership during the battle.