Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gefreiter (Aircraftman class 2)

Unit:

Kanonier 19./Fallschirm-Flak-Regiment "HG"

Awarded on:

February 19th, 1945

The following article published by the Deutsche Nachrichtenbüro (dated 03.04.1945) describes why Schirner would receive the Knight’s Cross…

“At the recommendation of the Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe, Reichsmarschall Göring, the Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Gefreiter Schirner, gunner in the Fallschirm-Flak-Regiment Hermann Göring. Gefreiter Lothar Schirner (born on the 20.10.1916 in Militsch) has distinguished himself through exemplary intrepidity and bravery in the fierce battles around Kreuzburg. During a massive Soviet assault on the 09.02.1945 Schirner would show no quarter to the enemy. As a result of the misty, rainy weather the enemy tanks were forced to come close to his firing position. Then, over the course of 5 hours and despite a lack of ammunition, Schirner succeeded in destroying 14 T-34 tanks. In during so he contributed significantly to the frustration of the enemy attempts to force a breakthrough in this area.”