Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

MG-Schütze 9./Grenadier-Regiment (mot) 15

Awarded on:

January 26th, 1944

Following a strong artillery preparation the Allies launched a major attack on the thinly occupied German positions at Monte Lungo (also known as Hill 352, near Venefre) on 08.12.1943. Recognizing the great danger Obergefreiter Ewald Scherling suddenly found his courage, and began engaging the attacking allied soldiers with all his might, firing his MG from the hip. Within the space of a few minutes the attackers were pinned down, having suffered heavy losses. Before they had a chance to overcome their fear, Scherling began to counterattack in order to drive the enemy away for good. This proved more than the attackers could handle and they fled. The result was that the Germans remained in possession of their entrenchments as well as their outer defences.

For his bravery here Scherling would receive the Knight’s Cross.

Awarded posthumously.