Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 20th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 20th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 22nd, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

1. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment Germania, SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Wiking", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

November 21st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 24th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 30th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

1. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 Germania, 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

April 12th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 1st, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer, 1. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 Germania, 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

May 4th, 1944

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

“During the continuation of the attack against the stubbornly defended town of Shanderovka on the night of the 12./13.02.1944, SS-Obersturmführer Meyer (commander of the 1./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. Germania) particularly distinguished himself through his outstanding bravery before the enemy as well as his swift and independent resolve. The seizure of Shaderovka was of decisive importance for the breakout from the Cherkassy pocket. The enemy was well aware of this, and they put up a bitter defense of the village from well-built fortifications that were reinforced with built-in flamethrowers.

In the first night attack on the 11./12.02.1944 the Bataillon succeeded in penetrating into the enemy defensive line on the southern edge of the village. On the following day this line was rolled up, and the southern part of Shanderovka was taken in a surprise attack. A continuation of the attack during daylight hours to bring Shanderovka under total control was not possible because of the determined hostile resistance. The resumption of the attack was thus set for 22:15.

Meyer and his Kompanie were tasked with following 2. Kompanie along the street. After 03:00 the attack of 2. Kompanie bogged down in the face of strong opposing heavy machine-gun and anti-tank fire.

Clearly recognizing the precarious situation, and being aware of the importance of capturing the village, Meyer now immediately deployed his Kompanie on his own initiative.

Utilizing the cover of a ditch, he swung to the west and managed to surprise the enemy via a flank attack. Meyer led a few men in a ruthless assault that managed to break into the Soviet positions, and in the process he personally knocked out an anti-tank gun crew with 2 hand grenades. The men of his unit were inspired by the example of their commander, and with a loud ‘Hurra’ they surged along the street and took house after house. Following ferocious close combat (during which Meyer was always to be found at the most critical points) the Soviets were thrown back, and the pinned-down 2. Kompanie was relieved.

Meyer continued the attack, and he and his Kompanie captured:

7 anti-tank guns (4.7 cm)
3 anti-tank guns (7.62 cm)
2 infantry guns
6 heavy machine-guns
5 light machine-guns
Numerous small-arms
48 prisoners.

One particular house (which later turned out to be the enemy regimental command post) offered especially stubborn resistance. Meyer fought into this house with his Kompanie HQ squad and a few men from his I. Zug, and 3 officers were taken prisoner. The regimental commander escaped captivity via suicide.

Meyer’s determined and ruthless actions brought about a decisive success for the Bataillon, and one which was crucial for the occupation of the town. It was from here that the encircled formations of the XI. and XXXXII. Armee-Korps would commence their breakout from the Cherkassy pocket on the 16.02.1944.

Meyer has repeatedly proven himself to be an outstanding SS leader during this war. During the western campaign he was the first enlisted man of the Regiment to be awarded the Iron Cross First Class. He is a holder of the German Cross in Gold and the Close Combat Clasp in Silver, and has also been wounded 4 times in this war.

SS-Obersturmführer Meyer is worthy of being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”

To this was added a supplementary note by the regimental commander…

“SS-Untersturmführer [sic] Meyer has proven to be a commendable SS leader across numerous battlefields of this war. He has inspired his men to achieve battle-deciding feats through his offensive spirit and ruthless devotion to duty.

The young Kompanie commander achieved the highest glory during the night attack against the northern part of Shanderovka on the 12.02.1944. The successful conclusion of this operation was needed as an indispensable prerequisite for the success of the breakout from this pocket.

During heavy fighting the enemy garrison of Shanderovka consolidated in the northern part of the city, and here a reinforced infantry regiment (supported by a flamethrower battalion and 7 tanks) defended grimly. Following an unforgiving 11 hour struggle the city was completely cleared of the foe.

The seizure of Shanderovka gave the XI. Armee-Korps the necessary space for the final assembly of breakthrough group Stemmermann prior to the breakout.

The capture of Shanderovka is primarily attributable to SS-Obersturmführer Meyer.

In every phase of the battle Meyer repeatedly displayed his outstanding qualities of leadership from the foremost ranks of his Kompanie.

The Regiment fully endorses the award of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross for SS-Obersturmführer Meyer.”