Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel der Reserve (Warrant Officer of Reserves)

Unit:

7. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 426, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

July 13th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Führer, 7. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 426, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 15th, 1944

On the 15.01.1944 the Soviets began their major offensive near Novgorod. One of the main German units in the path of this offensive was the 126. Infanterie-Division, which was forced to pull back after the attackers had achieved multiple deep penetrations. From a position was of Gatschina, Oberfeldwebel Hoffmann received the mission of securing the approach to a road that traversed a commanding piece of high ground. However during the night the Soviets penetrated through the sector of the left neighbouring unit and seized control of the road, which was a vital route for the German retreat movements. Recognizing this new danger, Oberfeldwebel Hoffmann launched a counterattack with his Westphalian Grenadiers that pushed back the Soviets. He then pursued the fleeing opposition and seized control of a village the Soviets had used as a jump-off position for their attack. Hoffmann would later be awarded the Knight’s Cross for this major tactical success.