Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Kompanie Truppführer 2./Pionier-Bataillon 186

Awarded on:

August 8th, 1943

During the assault on the northern shoulder of the Kursk salient in Operation Citadel, a German attack spearhead was held up during the fight for Ponyri by a minefield. In response to this Obergefreiter Poll sprang forward on his own initiative and was able to clear a lane under the heaviest of Soviet fire. Through this bold deed the other German grenadiers were able to storm into the Red Army defense line, roll up the hostile trench works and proceed towards a commanding hilltop. Poll would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for his actions here.