Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major (Squadron Leader)

Unit:

Kommandeur II./Fallschirmjäger-Sturm-Regiment 1

Awarded on:

July 9th, 1941

Awarded for the following actions during the battle of Crete...

1) Capturing the southern part of Hill 107 on the afternoon of the 20.05.1941. Undertaken by his 5. and 7. Kompanien, it resulted in the capture of 4 officers and 100 men.

2) Taking over temporary command of Fallschirmjäger-Sturm-Regiment 1 at a critical moment in the battle.

3) Playing a major part in seizing the heavily fortified heights around Galatas on the 25.05.1940. After the supporting Gebirgsjäger Bataillon on the right began to run into difficulties, he threw his weight behind the developing flank attack from the south that had been started by Leutnant Barmetler. This led into the rear of the opponent, resulting in their collapse. Stentzler thus played a crucial role in securing these positions.

In his report following the battle of Crete, Kurt Student himself had the following to say concerning Major Stentzler...

"It is thanks to the courageous and selfless efforts of Major Stentzler that Crete could be captured from the enemy."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)