Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 1./Aufklärungs-Abteilung 257

Awarded on:

May 27th, 1942

Awarded for the contribution of his Schwadron to the successful defense of Tscherkasskaja during the winter of 1941/42. The following press article (dated 08.06.1942) provides a detailed description concerning what he did…

“Oberleutnant Wilhelm Köther was born on the 14.10.1912 in Ohlendorf (Goslar District) as the son of farm labourer Christian Köther. He distinguished himself through his determined action and bold aggressiveness while successfully defending a decisively important strongpoint on the Donez front. The Bolsheviks attacked with strong tank support and succeeded in getting to within about 150 metres of an important logistical railway line following bitter urban combat. Oberleutnant Köther launched a counterthrust despite the enemy’s far greater numbers. Personally fighting at the head of his men with machine-pistol and hand grenades, he managed to force back the enemy and overcome the temporarily grave situation through his brave devotion to duty.”