Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major im Generalstab (Major to the General Staff)

Unit:

Ia 8. Fallschirmjäger-Division

Awarded on:

April 28th, 1945

Stecken’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

"On the night of the 25.26.03.1945, as the 15. Panzergrenader Divsision was involved in desperate fighting in the sector of the Empel-Millingen station on the Lower Rhine front, Major i.G. Stecken was able to close a gap in the frontline with hastily gathered forces in spite of the heaviest enemy artillery fire. This was an act done on his own initiative.

Only after the coherence of the front was restored did he return to the divisional command post. He thus contributed decisively towards our continued resistance along the Lower Rhine, and in the process demonstrated exemplary personal bravery."

Rank:

Generalmajor (Air Vice-Marshall)

Unit:

Kommandeur, 4. Luftwaffendivision, Bundeswehr

Awarded on:

March 19th, 1971