Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Ritterkreuzträger Karl-Heinz Worthmann

 

Karl Heinz Worthmann (18 January 1911 – 6 July 1943) was a SS-Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant), in the Waffen-SS during World War II who was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross) for his feat in the Third Battle of Kharkov, spring 1943.

Worthman was born in Hagen, Germany on the 18 January 1911. He volunteered to join the SS and was posted to the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT). He took part in the Battle of France as an Infantry platoon commander and was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse and I.Klasse.

During the invasion of Russia (Operation Barbarossa) in 1941 he was severely wounded and after recovering from his wounds trained as a Panzer crewman.

He was promoted to SS-Hauptscharführer (Master Sergeant) and made a platoon commander in the 6.Kompanie / II.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich". In the Battle of Kharkov Worthman, was in command of 4 tanks supporting the infantry in an attack near Wossyschtschewo on height 209.3 during which they destroyed 27 anti tank guns and 2 infantry guns without loss. For his actions during this battle, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz in 31 March 1943.

Worthman was promoted to SS-Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) and given command of the 6. Kompanie, when he was killed in action during Operation Citadel on the 6 July 1943, in the Belgorod sector.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Heinz_Worthmann
http://www.kriegsberichter-archive.com/index.php?/category/58

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