Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Soldat

Unit:

4/Inf.Rgt. 544

Awarded on:

November 4th, 1942

Awarded for a wound inflicted on the 3rd of October 1942.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)

Unit:

4/544

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1943

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)

Unit:

4./ Gren.-Rgt. 544

Awarded on:

October 15th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

4./ Gren.-Rgt. 544

Awarded on:

March 14th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

4./Gren.Rgt. 544

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1944

Awarded for his 3rd wound inflicted on the 14th of December 1943.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

4./Gren.Rgt. 544

Awarded on:

August 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

Gewehrführer 4. / Grenadier-Regiment 544

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1944

During the retreat battles around Dünaburg, on 19.07.1944, Unteroffizier Schmelzinger especially distinguished himself. Despite having no contact with neighbours to either the left or the right, he was able to hold his MG position against multiple Soviet attacks for 12 hours. After this he was able to successfully pull back to the new main line of defense with three comrades. For this defensive success he would receive the Knight's Cross.