Awarded on:

April 4th, 1938

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 15th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 3rd, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 25th, 1940

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer 6./GebJägRgt 13

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1941

The following wartime excerpt describes why Schlee received the Knight’s Cross…

“The Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 was ordered to open up the Pultowzy—Vinnitsa road for the Division by clearing the enemy defensive position there. In light of the anticipated enemy strength, the Regiment anticipated a two-day long and costly battle to complete the mission. However Oberfeldwebel Schlee was able to accomplish the objective within an hour after the attack had begun. Through his superior and prudent leadership, it was possible to thrust through to the southern edge of Pultowzy and crush the well-equipped and stubbornly defending enemy there.

His success was decisive for both the Regiment and the 4. Gebirgs-Division, as it meant that the march road through the enemy’s key position (and thus the way to the eventual capture of Vinnitsa) was opened.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 4th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13, 4. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 6th, 1943

The following divisional order of the day (dated 07.04.1943) explains why Schlee would be awarded the Oakleaves to his Knight’s Cross…

“Since being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross, Oberfeldwebel Schlee has distinguished himself through his brave deeds during the fighting in the Caucasus as the leader of his Jäger platoon. In the memorable battles on the other side of the main ridge of the Caucasus, during the advance on Ssuchum, his determination and personal bravery on the 26. & 28.08.1942 led to the following results…

- The enemy was forced to abandon a village vital for their logistics
- Through the elimination of an enemy flank threat. an important friendly supply route was finally secured.
- Many Russians were either killed or captured and valuable captured weapons were acquired.

On the 29.10.1942 Oberfeldwebel Schlee took over command of the 6./Geb.Jäg.Rgt.13 during the heroic battles before Tuapse on the Sssmachscho ridge after the Kompanie leader was wounded. The next day, Schlee would also be wounded in action.

I congratulate Oberfeldwebel Schlee for receiving this high award on behalf of the whole Division, and hope that he will return to his Regiment after his recovery.”

222nd Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)