Schnocks, Herbert (Grenadier-Regiment 317)

Date of birth:: May 17th, 1913 (Berlin/Brandenburg, Germany)
Date of death:: April 28th, 1945 (Stettin/Pomerania, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:: Chef, 8./ Grenadier-Regiment 317, 211. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: September 26th, 1944

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:: Bataillon Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 317, 211. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: May 8th, 1945

Schnocks’ Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Hauptmann Schnocks served as a Bataillon commander in the defence of the city of Pyritz.

On the 07.02.1945 the enemy attacked Schocks’ Bataillon with 17 tanks. By this time the Bataillon had already taken heavy losses from enemy tank, artillery and sniper fire. A company-sized enemy force consisting of 4 tanks with mounted infantry succeeded in smashing a hole in the Bataillon’s defensive front. The enemy was quick to exploit this, and their follow-on forces were able to reach the road fork that led from Pyritz to Rackitt and Nauling. With this the left neighbouring unit became heavily engaged in its rear area, and the enemy had an opportunity to roll up the entire southern sector of the city’s defence. Such a move would’ve made the defence of the entire city untenable.

Hauptmann Schnocks was moving from one of his Kompanien to his command post at the time of the enemy’s penetration, and he immediately perceived the very critical situation for what it was. He made the decision to launch an immediate counterthrust, and after rounding up about 10 retreating soldiers he attacked the enemy. His swift and energetic actions, not to mention his example of brave conduct, were enough to persuade the fleeing friendly soldiers to reenter the battle. Hauptmann Schnocks’ counterthrust ultimately succeeded in holding back the enemy, and in the course of the continued heavy fighting (in which Hauptmann Schnocks again distinguished himself) the old frontline was eventually recaptured.

On this day the enemy penetrated the lines a total of 8 times, but on each occasion they were ejected by Hauptmann Schnocks’ personally ordered and executed counterthrusts. In the process the enemy lost 1 tank and took heavy losses in infantry. Schnocks’ clear understanding of the situation, bravery and initiative resulted in the retention of the southern sector of Pyritz, which in turn guaranteed the continued viability of the city’s defence.

Hauptmann Schnocks furthermore distinguished himself during the entire duration of the fighting in the time period 04.-11.02.1945. His Bataillon, present in the thick of the fighting, was only able to attain its defensive successes thanks to the steadfastness, toughness and experienced leadership of its commander.

Thus, due to the aforementioned feat-of-arms and his repeatedly proven bravery and steadfastness, I consider Hauptmann Schnocks to be worthy of the award of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”

Herbert Schnocks's Heerespersonalamt-Verleihungsvorschlag (HPA-VV—Army Staff Office Nomination Recommendation) was ready for signature at the end of the war. According to the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (OdR) the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.