Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Stabskompanie, Schützen-Regiment 93, 13. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

May 27th, 1942

The following press article (dated 04.06.1942) describes why Gambietz was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Knight’s Cross for an Obergefreiter:

…

Obergefreiter Richard Gambietz… had a decisive share in the successful defense against a major Bolshevik attack in the upper Donez region. Undeterred by the heavy enemy artillery fire, he defended an important hilltop bunker with just 4 men. Despite being wounded himself in this time he would ultimately repulse 3 company-strength Bolshevik attacks in close combat, during which hand grenades and machine-pistols were the weapons of choice.”

This attack took place on the 08.03.1942. The aforementioned bunker was known as the Radau bunker, and Obergefreiter Gambietz recaptured this via a counterattack before defending it in the manner described.