- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Generalleutnant zur Verwendung (Major-General)
- Unit:
- Kommandeur, 260. Infanterie-Division
- Awarded on:
- September 22nd, 1941
The 260. Infanterie-Division was heavily involved in the rapid seizure of a bridgehead over the Desna river at Kisselewka (near Chernigov) on 01.09.1941, as well as the subsequent expansion of the bridgehead through the capture of Wibli on the next day. These local victories were of decisive importance for the rapid continuation of the operations of the 2. Armee, for it prevented the Soviets from establishing a solid defense line on the river and in turn a costly and time-consuming assault crossing for the Army. The Division then had to fight on its own against fierce Soviet counterattacks for days, and not only crushed these but was even able to expand the bridgehead further. Due to the performance of the Division here it proved possible to strike south from the bridgehead and complete the operational objectives of the Army faster than expected.
Generalleutnant Schmidt, as the commander of the Division, was the major architect of this outcome of events and was recognized for his bravery and leadership with the Knight’s Cross.