Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 26th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 10th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmbannführer (Major)

Unit:

Führer, SS-Regiment 'Sattler', 189. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 16th, 1945

Sattler’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Starting on the 22.12.1944 the Regimentsgruppe Sattler, in cooperation with the Grenadier-Regiment 326, was deployed in the Bennweier area with the task of holding Bennweier with the subordinated Bataillon Zeiher.

SS-Sturmbannführer Sattler already had distinguished himself during the repeated encirclements of the Bataillon Zeiher on the 23.-24.12.1944. Clearly recognizing the importance of his task, every time this happened he would launch ruthless counterattacks on his own initiative with his last reserves in order to restore contact with Bataillon Zeiher.

The staff of Bataillon Zeiher was once again encircled during the afternoon of the 24.12.1944. At the same time the enemy succeeded in breaking through between Hill 351 and the southern edge of Bennweier, creating a very bad situation for the entire divisional sector. As the enemy had furthermore conducted a stealthy infiltration onto Hill 216 during the evening hours, the situation seemed untenable. At this time small groups of stragglers already began to retreat to the south.

Sturmbannführer Sattler now intervened here. Against his orders to conduct the necessary measures from his command post, he personally went forward on his own initiative in order personally lead and direct his troops, subordinated units and fleeing straggler groups in this critical situation. He did this from the frontline under strong enemy fire, and despite being wounded as a result he would especially distinguish himself by his extraordinary energy, ruthlessness and prudence.

His overwhelming energy and personal bravery resulted in the recapture of Hill 216 from the enemy, the creation of a new blocking position and a prevention of a further enemy breakthrough towards the south. This feat was all the more impressive considering that during the course of the evening and night he commanded unfamiliar formations which, due to a lacking of training or advanced age, were not particularly suited for the requirements of modern total war.

Through his bold actions and unwavering decisiveness, Sturmbannführer Sattler had the lion’s share of the Division’s defensive success on the 25.12.1944. The enemy’s intended breakthrough towards Kolmar failed thanks to him.”