Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 22nd, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

in silver

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 27th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer, 6. Kompanie, Panzer-Regiment 26, 26. Panzer-Division, 10. Armee, Heeresgruppe C

Awarded on:

August 23rd, 1944

On one day in early July 1944, Oberfeldwebel Böhm received the mission of reinforcing the German rearguard before Volterra. While he was changing positions under heavy artillery fire his fuel pump was knocked out, and the tank was immobilized. In response he sent his driver and radio operator back with the dismantled radio equipment while he remained behind in the Panzer.

4 Sherman tanks shunted into position with artillery support. Böhm destroyed 2 of these, and the other 2 turned around. Then another Sherman managed to score a hit on the side running gear from a range of 1800 metres, however Böhm destroyed this tank as well. The remaining Allied tanks pulled back.

No other anti-tank weapons were available in this sector, and as such Böhm’s actions truly were decisive in preventing a hostile breakthrough here. In recognition for this he would later be awarded the Knight’s Cross.

Submitted on August 14th 1944.
Preliminary document and decoration on September 7th 1944 to AOK 10.