Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 80, 34. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 29th, 1944

During the fighting east of Schaschkoff (Soviet Union) in late 1943 / early 1944 the Soviets succeeded in breaking contact between the I./Grenadier-Regiment 80 and its neighbouring Bataillon. The former unit then lost communications with its regimental headquarters, and so its commander (Hauptmann Pfeil) decided to go against his previous orders and capture an important town.

To this end he swiftly reorganized his units and and pushed forward. Hauptmann Pfeil and his men quickly came under heavy MG and artillery fire, but under Hauptmann Pfeil’s leadership they pushed on and captured 4 guns after their crews had fought to the last. The crews of the remaining guns in the area fled. However the Soviets then launched a counterattack as the Bataillon carried on forwards, and bitter urban combat ensued as night fell on the battlefield. Hauptmann Pfeil and 5 men of his staff brought one of the captured guns into position and fired into the attacking Soviet forces. Heavy losses were inflicted, and the counterattack ground to a halt.

Hauptmann Pfeil then utilized this moment to carry on with his own attack, and the Soviets were forced to retreat from the area. At the end of the battle the remainder of the Regiment was able to enter the town that had now been cleared of the Soviets. This proved to be a crucial development for the wider combat situation, as it enabled 2 German divisions to encircle and crush a number of Soviet units in this area. Hauptmann Pfeil was thus awarded the Knight’s Cross in light of his important victory.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 107, 34. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1943

According to Patzwall / Scherzer the name is John.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 12. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 80, 34. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

November 1st, 1941

413th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)