Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann d.R.

Unit:

Pionier-Bataillon 168

Awarded on:

February 28th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur Pionier-Bataillon 168

Awarded on:

September 19th, 1943

On the 12.08.1943 the Soviets launched a major artillery/air supported attack against the boundary between the 68. and 57. Infanterie-Divisionen. They succeeded in breaking through about 15 km east of Sumy, and began advancing towards the south. The decimated infantry of the 68. Infanterie-Division were overrun, and an Infanterie-Regiment from a neighbouring division sent to plug the line was similarly only able to slow the Soviets down with dreadful losses. Even then it was gradually forced back, as its Bataillone only had a strength of about 40-45 men each. The Division was forced to send in its last reserves, a portion of the Pionier-Bataillon, to bring the situation under control.

Under the energetic leadership of its commander, Major Schlottmann, this small force was able to counterattack and bring the Soviets to a halt. In the process many hostile tanks were destroyed in close combat. Through this defensive success they were able to prevent the Soviets from interdicting both the important north-south railway line and the Sumy—Lebedin road. Schlottmann would thus be awarded the Knight’s Cross shortly afterwards.