Harnack, von, Helmut

Date of birth:: November 3rd, 1918 (Potsdam/Brandenburg, Germany)
Date of death:: January 21st, 1942 (Mihaijlovka, USSR)
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: Führer, 10. Kompanie, III. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 21, 20. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: January 17th, 1942

The following excerpt describes why Harnack would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Since becoming the commander of a light Panzer Kompanie in mid-October 1941, von Harnack has participated in the attack on the strongly fortified Lusha position as well as in the capture and defense of the important strongpoint of Ras Burikowo (on the front on the XIII. Armee-Korps). Subsequently he also was involved in the breakthrough against the Nara position. In all this time he has demonstrated great decisiveness and bravery, and contributed heavily to the successes of his Abteilung, and in particular on the 20.12.1941, near Tolbusino. Here he identified a strong enemy attack in the process of forming up. Through a skillful redeployment and boldly led attack, both on his own initiative, he was able to nip it in the bud and in doing so averted a great danger for this frontline sector.”