Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Artillerie-Regiment 21, 21. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 29th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Führer, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 7th, 1944

On the 19.01.1944 the 126. Infanterie-Division was surrounded by an advance by 60 Soviet tanks towards Kipen. In response Oberst Fischer, the divisional commander, decided to break out south of Kozelewo towards Telesi. Himself marching just behind the infantry spearhead, the breakout succeeded at around midnight on the following night. On the following day the area south of the Krassnoje—Sselo-Kipen road was reached, signalling the completion of the breakout.

Later, on the 25.01.1944, a crisis near Woiskowizy was mastered by the Division, and 50 enemy tanks were destroyed. On the following night the Grenadier-Regiment 426 managed to break out to Kiwi Jarwi (about 5 km southwest of Gattschina) after being encircled in Parizy.

Fischer would receive the Knight’s Cross for his sound decision-making during this time, which saved his Division from annihilation and prevented a collapse of the frontline in the area.