Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Abteilung 3/292 (RI/1a) Rußheim, RAD

Awarded on:

May 15th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 13th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 25th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 9th, 1944

Silver

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 27th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 2nd, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

Gruppenführer, 5. Kompanie, Grenadier-Regiment 316, 212. Volks-Grenadier-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 31st, 1945

When at the end of December 1944, northwest of Echternach, the attack of a grenadier battalion of a Bavarian Volksgrenadier division faltered before a commanding height, Corporal Steinhauser made a bold decision. On his own, he rallied several nearby grenadiers and pushed them into the enemy's deep flank. Advancing far ahead of his men, he climbed from rock to rock, taking, under the most difficult conditions, ten hostile, tenaciously defended resistance nests. In this way he got into the back of the enemy holding the height and was able to roll up his position with very little personal losses. The opponent had high losses of dead and prisoners. Before the completely surprised enemy came to their senses, the battalion was able to exploit the success forced by the brave corporal and to take full possession of the important height. The resolute and cold-blooded mission of Corporal Steinhauser had been decisive. For his outstanding deed he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.