Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Melder 6./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66

Awarded on:

February 7th, 1945

During the Battle of Budapest Obergefreiter Schitthelm proved to be outstanding in his role as messenger. In the unforgiving urban environment, he ran innumerable important messages/orders between the battalion, company and platoon levels of command and thus ensured that efficient communications could continue. In the process he successfully traversed enemy held areas/streets on a near-continuous basis but was nonetheless still able to carry out his missions. He would be awarded the Knight’s Cross via radio for his outstanding devotion to duty.