Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 2./Pionier-Bataillon 208 / 208. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

March 12th, 1943

Awarded for his actions during the heavy defensive battles around Orel (specifically near the village of Dimitrijewka), as detailed in the following description by his Bataillon commander…

“Obergefreiter Dirkmorfeld was awarded the Knight’s Cross on the 12.03.1943 for his battlefield achievements in the area of the Pionier-Bataillon 208. Through his brave devotion to duty (up until being wounded on the 24.02.1943) he had a decisive share in the defensive success of his Bataillon commander’s Kampfgruppe. As the leader of the Kompanie HQ squad he was the one who secured the bypassed, unprotected left flank of the Kompanie for days during the heavy close combat with overwhelming enemy tank and infantry forces. After the falling out of all officers and NCOs he personally directed individual scattered squads of different combat formations to the most dangerous enemy penetrations, and he maintained the resistance of his handful of men even after being overrun by enemy tanks. After being heavily wounded he arranged for the immediate transfer of his battlefield plan before being treated himself, and in doing so laid the groundwork for a successful counterthrust with our own Panzers. He was evacuated from the battle area by means of a Panzer.”