Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer 5.(MG) / Grenadier-Regiment 29 (motorisiert)

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1944

Oberfeldwebel Walter commanded the German strongpoint atop of Monte Corno (held by the 8./G.R. 29 (mot)) during early November 1943. He would particularly distinguish himself in this capacity on the 07.11.1943 and later be awarded the Knight’s Cross in recognition of his actions on this day. The following report by Major Zschoch describes what happened as follows…

“After he had first repelled a few hostile thrusts and patrols… the enemy launched a pincer attack against Monte Corno during the darkness. Each attacking arm was at least company sized, and the entire assault was supported by heavy weapons. Oberfeldwebel Walter had about 12 men with him, including the forward observer for some heavy infantry guns. Contact with the neighbouring unit was quickly lost, and the forward observer lost contact with his guns. Strongpoint Walter was becoming increasingly imperilled. Gottlob maintained the wire link to the Bataillon command post in order to keep the men there informed of the situation as well as to direct the fire orders for the heavy infantry guns.

Monte Corno had two peaks about 40 metres away from each other. Walter took casualties and had to yield one of these peaks to the enemy. Walter then called on the heavy infantry guns to fire directly on top of the strongpoint. Capitalizing on a particularly solid hit, he rallied his 6 combat-capable soldiers and stormed the enemy-occupied peak with far-reaching cries of Hurra. After a round of fierce close combat the broken-in enemy were all either killed or evicted. With this the Strongpoint of Monte Corno was once again firmly in our hands. The enemy left behind an entire trail of both dead men and weaponry.

This success was of particular importance for the entire Volturno-Front. The Bataillon’s position would have been untenable if the enemy had occupied Monte Corno. The enemy would have then been able to secure domination over the pass passages and thereby secure entrance to the Cassino valley from the flank.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)