- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Oberleutnant
- Unit:
- Führer II. / Infanterie-Regiment 503
- Awarded on:
- May 16th, 1942
Action:
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 an enemy 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 enemy back behind the Objessna river up to the edges of Nikolskoje and Derewnja. By this action the German frontline was saved, with important consequences for not just the Division but also the whole II. Armee-Korps and ultimately the supply road to Demyansk. For his achievements here Johannmeyer would receive the Knight’s Cross.