- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Major (Squadron Leader)
- Unit:
- Kommandeur, Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon 1, 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division, Luftwaffe
- Awarded on:
- November 18th, 1944
Awarded for the achievements of his Pioniere in Italy, which included the following combat/engineering feats…
1. Playing a major part in the construction of the Siegfried and Foro lines as well as coastal defenses. During these projects the Bataillon laid 57000 mines, built 600 positions and weapons emplacements, deployed 25000 metres worth of barbed wire, and constructed numerous bridges and roads.
2. Contributing to the successful German defense in the Second Battle of Monte Cassino. His 1. Kompanie prevented a premature conclusion to the battle on the morning of the 16.03.1944. The 3. Kompanie launched an attack on the night of the 18./19.03.1944 that blocked the path of the Essex battalion to Galgenberg.
3. The creation of a bridge over the Savio river. It was only used at night, and repeatedly deconstructed and camouflaged just before daybreak. In this way it was never noticed by the Allied air force, and it allowed the heavy weapons of the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division to be transported across the river relatively smoothly.