Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 27th, 1944

Recommendation reads as follows...

“During the fighting for the Melfa position in the time period 24.-26.05.1944 Hauptmann Hermann and his Bataillon were attached to the 90. Panzergrenadier-Division. The Bataillon had been significantly weakened by having to give up its 1. and 3. Kompanien. On the 26.05.1944, at 07:00, the enemy began an attack with 8 tanks and strong infantry forces (some of which rode on the tanks). The immediate friendly defensive fire, especially the heavy-machine guns, inflicted bloody losses on the enemy. However the slow but steady approach of the tanks and their escorting infantry could not be stopped.

Despite the enemy superiority the Bataillon continued to defend its position. Hauptmann Hermann himself fought in the foremost line and personally directed the defensive fire of the Bataillon as well as the deployment of the tank hunter teams. His steadfastness was a shining example for his men and it helped them to overcome their tank terror, even though the only available armour-piercing weapons were a few Panzerfausts. He was the soul of the resistance, and his personal dedication is alone responsible for the fact that the enemy failed to penetrate anywhere along the defensive front of the Bataillon. Instead 2 tanks were destroyed/immobilized by Panzerfausts and hand grenades, forcing the remainder to break off their attack.

Only after the enemy had brought up substantial new forces, and 80% of the ammunition had been expended, did Hauptmann Hermann give the order to fall back, something which he had been authorized to do since early in the morning on the 26.05.1944. Since Hauptmann Hermann had no opportunity during these defensive battles to make any decisions of considerable importance on his own, instead ensuring the holding of the position with his personal bravery, he was nominated for a mention in the Honour Roll rather than for the Knight’s Cross.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur I. / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100

Awarded on:

December 18th, 1944

Awarded for his actions around Melfa. Hermann’s recommendation for the Honour Roll Clasp of the Heer also covers his Knight’s Cross related actions (see recommendation for this award).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)