Königsberg - Fort V

Between 1872 and 1890, twelve fortresses were built around Königsberg and one of these was Fort König Friedrich-Wilhelm III in the city’s northwestern outskirts, also called the fifth fort. Before the Soviet attack on Königsberg in the spring of 1945, the german defense had put positions in these forts. Bitter battles were fought and especially at the fifth fort defended by a German garrison of about 200 men. However, the Soviet pressure became overpowering and on the night between 7 and 8 april they stormed and conquered the fort. Noteworthy is that the fort was not considered of any great military importance, yet no less than fifteen soviet soldiers were awarded the highest military award of the Soviet Union, Hero of the Soviet Union, for their efforts and sacrifices during the fighting at the fort.