Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 23rd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 20th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 10th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberjäger (Corporal)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 1./Gebirgsjager-Regiment 13

Awarded on:

March 7th, 1943

On the 17.01.1943, Zehnder's Bataillon was holding a dominant rock position in front of Tuapse in the West Caucasus, one which the Soviets had been attacking continuously for two weeks. At this time the Bataillon was reinforced by a company of Turkish soldiers, who did not speak much German but were nonetheless competent shooters. On this day the MG of a German squad was knocked out. Zehnder grabbed an intact MG and ran to the beleaguered squad under intense hostile fire, an action which likely saved the men involved.

Later on, in the afternoon, Zehnder found himself in the leftmost position of his sector with only one other rifleman and a Turk. Below the position, he suddenly spotted an advancing Soviet assault group of forty to fifty men. With the Turk giving covering fire, Zehnder and his fellow soldier stormed down the ridge and overran the Soviet soldiers. This independent and decisive action thus led to the prevention of a Soviet penetration in this particular sector, and Zehnder was recognized for it with the award of the Knight's Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 1st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 2nd, 1943