Hennecke Volckens

Hennecke Volckens (16 August 1916 – 16 December 1942) was a German tank commander and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Hauptmann Volckens was a company commander in the 3rd Panzer Division when it took up static positions in the Caucasus in late 1942. On 1 December Volckens was leading his company to reinforce the northern flank of his division when he went off course and began to run out of fuel. As the company waited for supply vehicles to catch up, a Russian brigade began to pass by in marching formation, having not seen Volckens and his men. The German tank company quickly formed up and took the brigade completely by surprise, destroying or capturing hundreds of men and much material including three tanks, two 12cm field guns and ten 7.62cm AT guns. For the successful annihilation of a Russian brigade, and without loss at that, Volckens was nominated for the Knight’s Cross. However he died due to injuries sustained in battle the day before he was due to receive it.

Awards & decorations

 * Iron Cross
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 17 December 1942 as Chef 7./Panzer-Regiment 6