Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 2./Genadier-Regiment 307

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1944

During the German retreat through Finland, north of Rovaniemi, a Soviet Brigade came out of nowhere and ambushed the I./Grenadier-Regiment 307 while it was marching along an ice road. Recognizing the dangerous situation for the whole Bataillon, Obergefreiter Peter quickly mustered 4 Grenadiers from his squad and was among the first Germans to meet the Soviet attack with aggressive action. He and his men captured a small hill and held it against fierce hostile attacks. Despite being vastly outnumbered, this small group inflicted heavy losses on the Soviets and did not yield their position. This act enabled the rest of the Bataillon to reorganize and defeat the attacking Soviet brigade.

In recognition for this valiant and decisive act, which cost him wounds in the foot and face, Peter would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.