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Last edited by stogieman; 11-13-2005, 01:09 PM. -
Hello Rick.
Thank you for sharing the above with us. Mr. Benisch must have been of quite young age when he received this very highranking cross and could have spent a few more years among us. I appreciate the simple straightforward wording of the death announcement. Perhaps we can learn more about his military career.
I cannot recall the total number awarded but there were only very few. A plaque in memory of all recipients was placed at a church in Saxony after the last surving Ritter passed on. I believe in the presence of a member of the former reigning royal house.
Bernhard H. Holst -
Oddly enough, the barely 21 year old Benisch was a Leutnant der Landwehr (!), commanding a foot artillery battery. He won his St Henry in September 1918 for action in August-- under an unstoppable French attack: infantry smashed through and behind the German lines, air bombardment, lethal counter-battery fire... and with the German troops falling back all around him, Benisch cooly led his men through machine gun fire and managed to save all four guns in his battery.
Once again, we are reminded that the "stuff" we collect actually belonged to REAL people, with real LIVES. Thanks!Comment
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Quite nice Rick,
this is not only a pretty nice Order, it is a individuals story. It is also for me the most interesting thing to discover the person behind the awards.
Gest regards
DanielComment
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Hello Rick L.
Thank you for the description of the combat situation which led to the award. So a Landwehr officer ! Somehow I am reminded of a definition of "leadership" I once read and take the liberty to list it here because I see an example:
"Leadership is when one is followed not only voluntarily but willingly."
Bernhard H. HolstComment
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Thanks!
Hi guys, thanks for the comments. It does place a bit of real humanity on this one to have his death notice in the case. I am going to tdo some research and see what else I can learn about him.Comment
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Hey buddy!! Looks like you scored again!! Soon you will have them all! You are a man with a mission!! MikeComment
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More info!
Well, I checked through all the award rolls, Herr Benisch received no grade of the Verdienstorden, or of the Albert Order! Young, very brave, he might have had an FAM in silber and WHAM commits this act of insane bravery and jumps right to a St. Henri!Comment
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