Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 2nd, 1936

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 13th, 1938

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 4th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 3rd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 29th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 19th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Flight Lieutenant)

Unit:

4. Staffel, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 172, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

March 19th, 1942

According to the Vorschlag of the Ritterkreuz awarded on 28-8-1942.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 28th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major (Squadron Leader)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 172, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

December 23rd, 1942

Zähr’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Major Zähr began his command of the I./K.G. z.b.V. 172 on the 23.02.1942, and the whole K.G. starting on the 13.04.1942.

Major Zähr had already demonstrated his personal bravery, initiative and mastery of difficult situations whilst serving as Adjutant of a Kampfgruppe z.b.V. in the Polish campaign and later as a Staffelkapitän in the Southeastern campaign (especially the Cretan operation). His distinguished service at this stage led him to being awarded the Iron Cross First Class. He began operating as a Staffelkapitän on the northern sector of the Eastern front from the start of July 1941 onwards, and in this role he served as a role model for the entire Gruppe. For this reason he was awarded the German Cross in Gold in March 1942.

As the previous commander of the Gruppe failed to return from a front flight to Demyansk, he began leading the unit from the 23.02.1942 onwards. His personal handiwork was a major factor that facilitated his Gruppe’s successful resupply missions to Fortress Demyansk and Gruppe Scherer (Cholm).

Major Zähr tirelessly led his Gruppe at Demyansk despite the presence of strong enemy defenses. The Gruppe (initially the only transport unit in this sector) flew along the most favourable flight paths under his direction. Throughout this time he repeatedly inspired his men to achieve the most they possibly could. His leadership qualities were invaluable in enabling the Gruppe to achieve the outstanding supply successes that it did. Later, as a corridor to the encircled troops was finally established and as the unit again transitioned from high to low-altitude operations, doubts began to emerge among some of the crews as a result of the losses that had been sustained. Once again however it was the commander who dispelled these concerns through his own brave leadership at the head of his Gruppe.

His Gruppe achieved particular merit during the operation at Cholm. The previous tactics of landing at the airfield or dropping supplies via parachute were rendered unviable due to the strong enemy defenses and the small size of the pocket. Thus, Luftflotte 1 directed the Gruppe to continue the supply effort with Go 242 gliders. Although the Gruppe had neither training nor experience in this type of mission, it was able to fulfill its assigned task under the commander’s initiative. It was the sole transport Gruppe to restore glider contact with Gruppe Scherer, delivering the necessary heavy infantry weapons and troops to the defenders. The Gruppe fulfilled its duties with the highest devotion to duty during the most critical moments for Gruppe Scherer.

For this reason the Gruppe received a letter of commendation from the Reichsmarschall himself in July 1942. This was on top of similar commendations from Generaloberst Keller and General Scherer.

Following a short period of refitting in the Reich, the Gruppe was dispatched to the southern sector of the Eastern front on the 04.08.1942. Here as well Major Zähr inspired his men to achieve the most they possibly could under the circumstances. His tireless diligence was the decisive factor that enabled his men to stand out among the other transport units in the area. In this time he was not only a bold leader, but also simultaneously a faithful comrade to his men.

When the ring around our troops at Stalingrad finally closed, he was the first man of his Gruppe to carry out a landing at Pitomnik airfield despite the difficult weather situation encountered. Here he was again a motivational example for his crews.

Major Zähr thus appears worthy of being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross for the leadership of his Gruppe.

I. Personal Achievements:

a) Southeastern campaign - 33 front flights
b) Cretan operation - 22 front flights
c) Northern sector of Eastern front - 107 front flights (including 54 at Demyansk, 4 at Staraya Russa and 2 at Cholm)
d) Southern sector of Eastern front - 20 front flights (including 12 at Pitomnik)

II. Gruppe Achievements:

a) Northern Sector:
- 5368 daylight operations (amounting to 53240 individual sorties, 7905600 km flown and 39529 flight hours).
- 13351243 kg of supplies delivered.
- 65687 soldiers flown (including 22102 wounded).

Specific Achievements:
- 3258 landings at Demyansk
- 81 glider missions to Cholm
- 14 airdrop missions to Cholm
- 9 landings at Cholm
- 8 special night missions (on behalf of the Abwehr)

b) Southern Sector:
- 3081 operations (amounting to 2655700 km flown).
- 6705800 kg of supplies delivered.
- 19179 soldiers flown (including 10577 wounded).

Specific Achievements:
- 45 landings at Pitomnik
- 7 special night missions (on behalf of the Abwehr)”