Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

9. Kompanie, Grenadier-Regiment 61, 7. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

October 26th, 1943

As the Germans pulled back to the Dnieper river in mid-1943, the Soviet forces following behind pursued with all their might. This fact was evident during the withdrawal movements of the Grenadier-Regiment 61. On the 22.09.1943, in the area west of Chernigov, Soviet troops began to overtake the 9./Grenadier-Regiment 61. A member of that unit, Obergefreiter Schaffner, recognized this fact and foresaw a possible encirclement of his Kompanie. Responding swiftly, he mustered a few Grenadiers and attacked these Soviet forces in the flank, and was able to inflict considerable losses on them despite facing heavy fire himself. As a result this Soviet group was compelled to suspend their offensive movements, thus relieving Schaffner’s Kompanie of a potentially disastrous situation. In recognition of his independent actions on this day, Schaffer would receive the Knight’s Cross.