Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 29th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer II. / Infanterie-Regiment 503

Awarded on:

May 16th, 1942

On the 03.05.1942 Johannmeyer led his Bataillon and elements of another in a counterattack against the village of Nikolskoje, taking half of the village. A Soviet counterattack pushed them out however, leading to a second German attempt that got to the southern edge of the village. However these gains too were erased, and Nowo Derewnja was also lost. A third counterattack also miscarried, and the Germans then had to repel 4 Soviet attacks.

The next day, following a total of 6 Soviet attempts, Johannmeyer’s men were forced to pull back from their defensive line. A last-ditch counterthrust with support from the 10./Infanterie-Regiment 26 was however able to retake it.

On the 05.05.1942, 7 more attacks were repulsed. Then a hostile force of 4 battalions and 3 tanks broke through Johannmeyer’s Bataillon and reached the Tuganowo—Naljutschi road. Johannmeyer rallied all available troops and pushed the Soviets back behind the Objessna river up to the edges of Nikolskoje and Derewnja. With this action the German frontline was saved, resulting in important consequences for not just the Division but also the whole II. Armee-Korps and ultimately the supply road to Demyansk. Johannmeyer would receive the Knight’s Cross for his achievements here.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann

Unit:

Kommandeur II. / Grenadier-Regiment 503

Awarded on:

November 18th, 1943

On the 11.11.1943, near Newel, the Soviets began an assault along the road towards Dolissy and, to the left of here, the German positions in front of the Dollissy river. Johannmeyer alerted his Bataillon (at the time the divisional reserve) and then drove with his car into the middle of the attacking enemy. He was able to hold them in check long enough for his Bataillon to arrive. He then led his men in a counterattack and after 4 hours of battle the old defensive line was firmly in his hands.

By this action Johannmeyer had succeeded in preventing an enemy breakthrough, and for doing so in such an audacious manner he would be awarded the Oakleaves.

329th Award