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~SOLD~LAINER Josef
Lainer, Josef "Sepp"
*March 13th, 1920 (Brixen im Thale, Tirol, Austria)
+September 4th, 2002 (Vienna, Austria)
KC: October 8th, 1943
As: SS-Oberscharführer Zugführer, 1. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 “Der Führer”, 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”, Armeeoberkommando 8, Heeresgruppe Süd
Lainer’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…
“SS-Oberscharführer Lainer has served as a Zugführer in the I./SS-Regiment ‘Der Führer’ in all the previous campaigns in Holland, France, Serbia, Russia (1941 & 1943) and is one of our best.
The Russians made a strong tank attack on the 23.08.1943, coming from the north of the main railway line into the northern area of Korotitsch (a suburb of Kharkov) and penetrating into the southern part of the city. In response the 1./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. ‘Der Führer’ was sent to counter this move.
SS Oberscharführer Lainer, commanding the I. Zug, began the counterattack and 3 T-34s were quickly destroyed. Lainer, recognizing the importance of the main railway line, made his own decision to attack into the flank of the enemy with his group despite the overall strength of the enemy. In bitter close combat they were able to get close to the main railway line.
Lainer held and threw back all hostile attacks against the railway line. He went on to push the enemy back towards the north, even extending the main battle line, this being important for the later defensive battle.
In the defense that followed over the next six days and nights, the Russians only temporarily interrupted their continuous artillery fire. Lainer proved his personal bravery again and again as a leader in this close-quarter combat.
Lainer held the left flank of his Battalion on against everything with his few men against the weapons of the enemy again and again. He pushed them back at times with only 3-4 men of his group.
On the evening of the 25.08.1943, a Russian battalion attacked with about 30 tanks. Lainer’s position was held again with only 10 men, and despite the man himself being wounded from a shell splinter he reported himself as ready to fight the next day after being treated by the doctor. In this battle two men from his group destroyed 3 enemy tanks in close combat.
Through these outstanding and brave acts, SS-Oberscharführer Lainer owned a decisive share in preventing the breakthrough of the Russians to the south and the consequent encirclement of several friendly divisions in the area around Kharkov.”
Nahkampfspange in Gold
ONLY 98 SOLDIERS WON THE KNIGHTS CROSS AND THE CLOSE COMBAT CLASP IN GOLD !!
Awarded: October 15th, 1943
As:SS-Hauptscharführer Zugführer, 1. Kompanie, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 'Der Führer', 2. SS-Panzer-Division 'Das Reich'
For 54 days in combat, he was the seventh person to receive the Gold award and only the third NCO
Postwar signed photo measuring 4” x 5”
Price: $40.00
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