Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Chef 4./Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 13

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1944

The following divisional order of the day (dated 21.09.1944) describes why Heinrich Pasold would receive the Knight’s Cross…

“On the 10.09.1944 the Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Oberleutnant der Reserve Pasold, commander of the 4./Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 13, as the 25th member of the 4. Gebirgs-Division to be so honoured.

In the time period 01-04.09.1944 the Russians repeatedly broke through in the direction of the only supply road leading to the Oitoz Pass. In doing so they threatened to take possession of this road and thereby cut off the flow of supplies to Kampfgruppe Wolter, which was fighting in the Oitoz Pass.

Oberleutnant Pasold, the Kampfkommandant of Bereczk, demonstrated extraordinary leadership and personal bravery over the course of many difficult situations. With the handful of available supply troops at hand he was always able to eliminate this threat, defending against and destroying the enemy through numerous counterattacks. By doing this he guaranteed the viability of the Kampfgruppe fighting at the Oitoz Pass.

I congratulate Oberleutnant Pasold on behalf of the whole Division for receiving this high award.”