Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 19th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 1st, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rittmeister

Unit:

9. Kompanie, II. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 24, 24. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 10th, 1943

Award 268/6.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 24, 116. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1944

The following excerpt written by Generalleutnant Graf von Schwerin describes how Meyer would receive the Knight’s Cross…

“On the 06.08.1944 Major von Meyer, commander of the I./Pz.Rgt. 24, was subordinated to Kampfgruppe Oberst Scharke (2. Panzer-Division) for the attack from the Sourdeval area (8 km north of Mortain) towards the west and the thrust towards Avranches.

At the head of his Abteilung, he broke through well built enemy positions and thrusted in the direction of le Mesnil Tove under the heaviest of opposing fire. After a short but fierce battle the village was captured. The enemy suffered substantial losses. As the Kampfgruppe commander became a casualty while in this village, Major von Meyer stepped into this role on his own initiative and without hesitation. Then, after allowing the Panzergrenadiers to mount up onto his Panzers, he capitalized on the success thus far by advancing to Mesnil-Adelee.

After reaching the village the enemy launched a counterattack following a strong preparatory barrage and bomber attacks. Unfazed by the enemy, and despite being wounded in both arms, Major von Meyer directed the Panzergrenadiers into position and inspired them to resist through his own personal example. At 10:00 on the 07.08.1944 the enemy managed to penetrate into the northern part of the village in battalion strength and with tank support. Major von Meyer personally responded with 2 Panzers and was able to throw the enemy back in a counterattack. There was persistent heavy fire on the village.

After this penetration had been resolved the enemy tried again by attacking from the south, and were once again able to penetrate into the SW part of the village with a weak battalion and tanks. The German infantry were forced out, and they retreated back to a ravine 1 km west of le Mesnil Tove. Von Meyer remained in the village with his Panzers and, as all Kompanie leaders had fallen, he once again personally led a counterattack which captured the southern edge of the village.

Since the enemy now threatened to cut off the village from the East, Major von Meyer took his Panzers and formed a hedgehog position 1.5 km east of le Mesnil Adelee. Along the way he gathered up straggling Grenadiers and deployed them as infantry security. Here the Kampfgruppe (which was inspired to the highest resistance by its commander) was able to hold out until 04:00 on the 08.08.1944 despite heavy air/artillery strikes and constant enemy attacks. Then, after receiving orders to retreat and break out to friendly lines near Sourdeval, the Kampfgruppe disengaged. West of le Mesnil Tove, Meyer linked up with the separated SPW Gruppe and was able to reach the German lines after heavy fighting.

Successes: 18 enemy tanks destroyed
Own losses: 5 Panzers

Major von Meyer is well known to his Abteilung as a dashing commander, who demands the utmost from himself and his troops. It is to his credit that the Kampfgruppe of Oberst Scharke could break through to a depth of 10 km into the enemy lines. He fought at the head of his Abteilung and the Kampfgruppe as a whole during the penetration, and despite the fall of the original commander and his own wounds he continued the attack on his own initiative upon recognizing the necessity of swift action.”

4091st Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Panzer-Regiment Coburg, Panzer-Brigade 103 (408. Infanterie-Division), Heer

Awarded on:

March 23rd, 1945

Following the encirclement of his Kampfgruppe, Oberstleutnant von Meyer led his men through an 8-day long struggle to fight through Soviet territory and reach new positions NW of Liegnitz. In this endeavour they succeeded while also taking along all their wounded. Along the way the Kampfgruppe destroyed 13 tanks, 18 AT guns, 50 trucks and 1 Soviet aircraft. Meyer would be decorated with the Oakleaves for bringing his troops out of such a desperate situation.

795th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)