Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

I./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13

Awarded on:

December 1st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Führer Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 91

Awarded on:

December 26th, 1944

A report in the “13er Post” described why Schaßner would receive the Knight’s Cross. The aforementioned report reads as follows…

“In the region of Eastern Hungary, Major Schassner had the mission to defend a very broad section of frontline with his Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment and a subordinated Hungarian battalion. After a heavy barrage from artillery of all calibers, plus air strikes, the Bolsheviks attacked this sector. Within an hour or so Schassner, relying on a rather poor communications network, realized that the Soviets had made two deep penetrations. Reserves were not available at the moment, and an enemy breakthrough seemed inevitable.

In this critical situation Major Schassner decided to at least hold his own position. With a Pak and a few gathered soldiers, he defended his command post. In the process he lost his forearm to an enemy tank shell. Despite this severe wound the brave, responsible Regiment commander continued to lead the defense and after a hard fight was able to separate the Bolshevik infantry from their tanks, following which it was possible to prevent the infantry’s further advance. With this Major Schassner was able to buy enough time for his higher command to take the necessary measures and thwart the danger of an enemy breakthrough.”