SMGP-1865 Klaus Duwell Knights cross signature

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 12. / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 137 / 2. Gebirgs-Division

Awarded on:

November 19th, 1941

The following regimental order-of-the-day, dated 25.11.1941, describes why Düwell would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“The Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Oberleutnant Klaus Düwell, commander of the 12./Geb.Jg.Rgt. 137.

Oberleutnant Düwell has always fought in the foremost line without regard for his own person, and has particularly distinguished himself in the Regiment’s offensive and defensive battles along the Lizza front.

During the extremely difficult defensive combat for the high ground 314.9 and the Kräutlerwand, Oberleutnant Düwell prevented an enemy penetration against the flank of the III./137 and into the rear of the Regiment with his already heavily attrited Kompanie.

During the mop-up operation on the 15.09.1941 Oberleutnant Düwell stormed the Dreischroffenberg under heavy enemy fire. In cooperation with the neighbouring Kompanie he captured this commanding hill, which was of crucial importance for the continuation of operations in this area.

Oberleutnant Düwell is the model of a decisive and aggressive officer. He is revered by his own soldiers as such.

I give my fullest recognition to Oberleutnant Düwell in light of this high honour on behalf of the whole Regiment. We are proud to know that a holder of the highest medal for bravery is counted among our ranks.”

The following wartime excerpt provides additional detail concerning the first Knight’s Cross action…

“During the Regiment’s extremely trying defensive battle for the high ground 314.9 and the Kräutlerwand in the time period 17.-18.07.1941 the enemy succeeded in achieving a local success. Bringing up strong forces to the massif, they entered into the weakly occupied rear area as well as the flanks and rear of the III. Bataillon. Oberleutnant Düwell assembled parts of his Kompanie together on his own initiative and conducted a ruthless counterattack over the difficult terrain. He threw the enemy back and thereafter occupied and held the newly won-position. In the subsequent defensive battle for the Kräutlerwand Oberleutnant Düwell and his men held this sector (of great importance for the Regiment’s defensive position) despite sustaining high losses in the process. In this time he personally fought in the foremost line with his Kompanie.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)