Hans-Joachim Heinrici – Grenadier-Regiment 431 (131.Inf.Div.)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hans-Joachim Heinrici. Hauptmann Hans-Joachim Heinrici (16.04.1918 † 08.10.2011) earned the Ritterkreuz on February 14, 1945 as Hauptmann und Führer of the II. Bataillon/ Grenadier-Regiment 431 of the 131. Infanterie-Division. Good condition. Postcardsize.

Knight’s Cross earned for: “Fighter of our Army — Broke the Russian encirclement ring with his Bataillon: Hauptmann Heinrici, Bataillon commander of a Lower Saxonian Infanterie-Division, was pushed back by strong enemy forces during his Division’s advance towards the west (south of Liebstadt). He was unable to make contact with his Division. Oriented as to the situation via radio, he made the decision to break the Russian encirclement ring with his Bataillon and force a union with the Division. A great example of bravery to his men, he led his Bataillon as a cohesive unit with all weapons and transportable wounded in a seven-day march through the enemy ring. He repeatedly attacked enemy units, smashed them and inflicted heavy losses. After reaching friendly lines the Bataillon was immediately deployed in the sector of an unfamiliar Division, where it distinguished itself brilliantly during four days of offensive and defensive actions under the command of Hauptmann Heinrici. His decisiveness and outstanding bravery meant that his Bataillon was able to force a decision even in the worst of combat situations and repel the Russian attacks.” (Source: Traces of War)