Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Zugführer 3. / Gebirgs-Pionier-Bataillon 91 / 6.Gebirgs-Division

Awarded on:

November 18th, 1944

The following excerpt from the Grazer Zeitung (dated 01.01.1945) describes why Baldauf was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“A critical situation developed near Kirkenes as the German formations were pulling back from their positions in the wake of Finland’s capitulation. A bridge on the way to the Kirkenes airfield was only partially demolished due to a failure with the explosives, and this created the danger that the Soviets would be able to cross over the river. This would have produced disastrous consequences if correct.

Acting swiftly, Baldauf once again climbed onto the burning bridge and towards the enemy’s bank without any instructions to do so. He paid no heed to either the fact that the bridge could blow up at any moment or to the enemy’s fire that was concentrated solely upon him. He ultimately managed to carry out the demolition. By doing so he played a major role in preventing the enemy from interfering with his Division’s withdrawal. As previously reported, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross by the Führer for this decisive feat of arms.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)