Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer I. / 2.Jäger-Regiment "Brandenburg" / Division "Brandenburg"

Awarded on:

January 26th, 1944

The Germans planned a major operation against the partisans operating in the trackless terrain along the Serbien/Montenegro border. It was to take place at the beginning of December 1943. In line with this overall objective, Oberleutnant Steidl had the mission of seizing the bridge over the Lim river at Prijepolje.

Acting against huge numbers of partisans and Italian defectors, Steidl had an assault force consisting only of elements of his 1. and 2. Kompanien as well as a single captured Italian anti-tank gun (the only heavy weapon on the German side).

On the 04.12.1943, disguised as Italians in true Brandenburger fashion, they began the operation at 04:00 and were able to approach and overpower the first hostile guards at the bridge. Once the partisans were alerted however they began to bitterly contest the German advance. Nevertheless the Brandenburgers were able to overrun the opposing resistance around the bridge, prevent it from being blown up with prepositioned charges and form a bridgehead on the other side.

The Germans suffered heavy losses in the attack however, and when Steidl radioed his regiment at 06:30 to report the capture of the bridge as well as the urgent need for reinforcements, there was no response. The Brandenburgers fought on even so, and hours later were eventually relieved. By this time only 18 men were still ready to fight from the original force of attacking troops.

Later that day, just before nightfall, these Brandenburgers participated in a further battle to capture the heavily fortified barracks on the west bank of the Lim river. With the support of two tanks, the final hostile resistance here was crushed by 22:00, and 180 enemy dead were counted.

Thus, albeit with heavy losses, Steidl and his troops were able to complete their mission despite the odds against them. A total of 1200 prisoners were captured in the attack, and the capture of the bridge and town enabled a German motorized Kampfgruppe to begin pursuing partisan forces the next day.

For his unlikely victory here, Steidl was awarded the Knight's Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

I. / Jäger-Regiment 2 "Brandenburg" / Panzergrenadier-Division "Brandenburg"

Awarded on:

January 13th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)