SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe
Träger des Ritterkreuz des Eiserne Kreuze
4.SS-Polizei Division

Award Citations for the German Cross in Gold

31.8.1942 From the Reg.Gef.Std., SS-Polizei-Schützen-Rgt. 1.

During the Soviet breakthrough of the German Hauptkampflinie (main battle line) along the Newa River-bend, Hauptmann Traupe proved his worth as a circumspective leader and of outstanding personal bravery. After identifying a nuisant Soviet heavy machine gun that Traupe did not hesitate to destroy the with only a few men, the Regiment succeeded in the timely capture and control of the important road-network that effectively cut-off the Soviet resupply and their ability to withdraw. Following the Soviet breakthrough on 23.8.1942, Hauptmann Traupe quickly organized a defensive position from remnants of decimated units that effectively prevented the enemy from a continued penetration. The Soviet advance through the German defensive positions was prevented by the brave and dashing demeanor of Hauptmann Traupe. The strong and unrelenting Soviet attacks were repulsed by his selfless personal action until a strong counterattack could be organized. Hauptmann Traupe is an exceptionally brave and prudent officer, whose eagerness to fight is balanced by his unwavering discipline. This act of bravery and the success thereof, can be directly attributed to his calm and methodical nature to complet the mission. Hauptmann Traupe's entire personality is worthy of being decorated with the German Cross in Gold.

As a Company Commander during the campaigns on the Western- and Eastern Front, especially during the winter fighting along the Wolcho and the difficult defensive battles along the Newa River bend from 19-25 August 1942, Hauptmann Traupe distinguished himself again through personal daring. His exceptional bravery, based on his daring and yet thoughtful initiative, has earned Hauptmann Traupe to be awarded the German Cross in Gold.

[Signed]
Oberst u. Regiments-Kommandeur SS-Polizei-Schützen Regiment 1.

Citation for Combat Action for the Knight's Cross

On 24 Januar 1944, the 2.Kompanie (Kdr.Schuldt) was admidst defensive line preparations during the early morning hours when Soviet forces that had broken through the German lines south of Puddubje suddenly attacked and forced back the line. The commander of I.Zug/3.Kompanie, SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe, personally formed the remainder of the 2.Kompanie into a bridgehead, reinforced by a heavy machine gun squad, south of Puddubje. The bridgehead objective was to attack and recapture Puddubje and to repel the first main Soviet attacks originating from Libunizy. The small SS-Polizei bridgehead repulsed a total of 12 Soviet attacks that were launched throughout 24 January 1944.

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On 25 January 1944, a German attack, launched at 0100 hours with the objective of recapturing Puddubje, managed to break into the southern portion of the village. Soviet numerically superiority forced the attack to be suspended and a general German withdrawal to the original line of departure. During the afternoon hours, the Soviet launched a series of attacks against the German bridgehead. Forward Soviet pressure, supported by mortars and artillery fire, steadily increased itself. Two company-strengthed Soviet assault groups bypassed either side of the bridgehead and threatened its encirclement. At 1900 hours, SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe, the commander of I./3, personally led the defense, withdrew on Libumizy after enemy forces attacking into his right rear areas were repulsed and then destroyed.

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On 26 January 1944, until 1800 hours, 21 Soviet company-strengthed attacks were repulsed. Around 1900, after one hour of preparatory artillery fire, three Soviet battalions launched an attacked against Libunizy. While the German line contained the Soviet main assault up to the center of Libunizy, SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe (Kdr.I./3.) led a counterattack with men from various companies. In a two-hour struggle in hand-to-hand combat, from house to house, Traupe's men pushed the Soviets back to their line of departure.

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On 27 January 1944, six Soviet frontal attacks were repulsed. After 1300 hours, the villages Libunizy and Mokrizy were subjected to heavy mortar and artillery fire. Around 1600 hours, the Soviets launched a battalion-strength surprise attack from the northwest against Mokrizy. The surprise attack was executed with such vigor that the Soviets managed to overrun Mokrizy and the spearheads reached Libunizy. Simultaneously, the Soviets launched a strong attack against both sides of the Knüppeldamm (dam). An immediate counterattack led by SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe not only brought the Soviet attack to a halt, but also pushed the Soviets, throughout the night, back to Mokrizy.

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In the aftermath of the German attacks throughout the early morning hours on 28 January 1944, eastward positions along the outskirts of Libumitzy were recaptured. Around 1100 hours, strong Soviet forces attacked from the north and along both sides of the Knüppeldamm with supporting mortar, artillery, and anti-tank fire. While the German positions managed to hold for one and a half hours, at 1230 hours the battalion was forced to withdraw to high ground north of Lushkoje, as a result of severe casualties. From the divisional Kampfgruppe commander, SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe, an especially dashing and courageous officer, recognized, at the right moment, the impending dangerous situation of the Kampfgruppe SS-Polizei being bypassed, encircled, and destroyed. Moreover, Traupe recognized the more far-reaching danger that threatened the only existing route of withdrawal for the XXVIII.Armee-Korps from Trubnikoff-Bor to Wdizko-Sapolje-Luga. Despite an order that all units were to withdraw and establish a new defensive linen, an open left flank, and learning that his battalion had been bypassed, Traupe led the few men that had survived against the enemy from the front (formation).

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By virtue of his brilliant example, for bravery in combat, SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe was able to rally the men of the battalion and hold, even after prolonged and exhausting fighting. Traupe's cunning allowed the Kampfgruppe to disengage the enemy and establish new defensive positions along the high ground around Luschkoje. The efforts of SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe not only foiled the large-scale Soviet plan of attack but also prevented the encirclement of troops of the XXVIII.Armee-Korps and held open the sole route of withdrawal for the XXVIII.Armee-Korps.

For these achievements, SS-Sturmbannführer Traupe is worthy of the Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross.

Copyright Stenger Historica 2003