Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer 2./Flak-Regiment 61

Awarded on:

March 26th, 1944

On the 25.10.1943 Leutnant von Steinäcker’s 8.8 cm Flak section was being employed in the anti-tank role for a unit of infantry attached to the 23. Panzer-Division. During a strong Soviet attack he commanded an 8.8 cm gun that single-handedly knocked out 12 Soviet tanks and decided the battle in favour of the German defenders. For this action Steinäcker would receive the Knight’s Cross.