Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 4, 32. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 19th, 1943

The following newspaper excerpt (dated 22.01.1943) describes why Spiegel was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Since Panzers and Sturmgeschütze did not come forward, he stormed a well-constructed hill position and a fortified village with only 80 men. This action took place in the fighting southeast of Lake Ilmen.”

Here follows an additional newspaper article (dated 05.04.1943) that provides additional detail as to this action…

“Hero’s Death of Major Spiegel, a Pomeranian Knight’s Cross Holder:

Major Joachim Spiegel, commander of a Pomeranian Grenadier-Bataillon, had particularly distinguished himself during an offensive operation south of Lake Ilmen at the end of October 1942. In this time he inspired his Bataillon to assault strong enemy resistance despite being cut off from friendly forces and possessing open flanks on both sides. He and his men stormed an important village and held it for the following 12 days against 25 massive attacks by the Soviets…”