Pfeiffer, Hans (Pionier-Bataillon 97)

Date of birth:: February 16th, 1917 (Ansbach, Germany)
Date of death:: May 1st, 1976 (Neuss, Germany)
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:: Führer, 2. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon 97, 97. Jäger-Division
Awarded on:: January 26th, 1942

On the 13.12.1941 the Soviets launched a massive infantry-cavalry attack with tank support against the positions of the 97. leichte Infanterie-Division. They captured the villages of Novoswanowka and Preobrazhenka, and in doing so tore a 3.5-4 km gap in the frontline along the railway line which initially couldn’t be closed. By ruthlessly stripping other sectors of men, the Germans threw men at the gap in an attempt to seal it off. The 2./Pionier-Bataillon 97, under the command of Leutnant Pfeiffer, was sent in as the last battle worthy reserve.

In a gruelling battle that lasted several hours, Leutnant Pfeiffer managed to hold his position and prevent a breakthrough by the Soviets with his Kompanie. By doing this he had a decisive share in stopping a Soviet breakthrough in the direction of Bachmut, and so he was awarded the Knight’s Cross in recognition of this deed.