Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

MG-Schütze 6./Grenadier-Regiment 255

Awarded on:

March 16th, 1944

On the 26.01.1944 the Soviets launched a strong attack against the German 35. Infanterie-Division, which had just taken up position in the area. In the ensuing fighting, which took place in heavily forested and swampy terrain, a strong Soviet group managed to infiltrate into the rear of the German defenses. Machine-gunner Adolf Waßmann recognized the danger this posed to his Bataillon and, on his own initiative, decided to follow the group with his assistant. As the hostile group was assembling to attack, Waßmann opened up on them with his MG at close range, completely destroying the Soviet group. As a result of this success Waßmann would receive the Knight's Cross.