Wiking meets the Red Blitz 7/44*
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Date:  July 6, 1944*                     
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Battle Type: German delay vs. Russian advance*
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Design: CB Blackard*
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Battle Description: The battle of Cherkassy had consumed practically the 
entire combat strength of the 5th SS WIKING Division.  Several months  would be needed to rebuild the division but little time was available.  On June 22, 1944, the Soviets launched a massive offensive which shattered Army Group Center.  In July, the panzer regiment, now equipped with Panther tanks, was assigned to the LVI Panzer Corps east of Kovel.  The regiment was deployed near Maciejow in order to repel any Soviet attack north of the Kovel-Lublin rail line.*
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On the afternoon of July 6, 1944, the Soviet attack began.  In perfect blitzkrieg fashion, Soviet armor, supported by artillery and aircraft, smashed into the WIKING's Panthers. Finnish officer Ostuf. Olin  would personally direct his Panthers in the destruction of over fifty Soviet tanks.  For his role in the battle, Alfred Grossrock would be awarded the Knight's Cross.* 
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Sources:  Strassner, "European Volunteers"; "Panzergrenadiere der Panzerdivision 'Wiking'"; "Verweht sind die Spuren*
