- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Hauptmann (Captain)
- Unit:
- Chef, 7. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6, 7. Panzer-Division, Heer
- Awarded on:
- August 17th, 1942
War diary (NARA T-315 R-422 0740) of his unit:
15.02.1942
From: General Command LVI Army Corps (mot.)
Daily report to A.O.K. 9
In the last defensive battles, First Lieutenant Driver (7th Panzer Division) distinguished himself by bold bravado, rousing momentum and the highest sense of responsibility. Especially on 19.12.1941 at Kuschowo (19 kilometres east of Lataschina) - Telegina (12 kilometres east of Lataschina), when he and his company repulsed the numerically far superior enemy in energetic counterattacks, which were constantly led by himself. In the critical moments, he was the calming pole around which the soldiers gathered. Through his self-confident behaviour and through the full commitment of his own person, he repeatedly gave the heavily worn troop the necessary self-confidence and thus prevented the enemy from achieving his desired goal, namely breaking through the regiment's position, even once. First Lieutenant Driver thus played an outstanding role in the success of the difficult retreat battles of the entire regiment.
Ia
General Command LVI A. K. (mot.)
A personal judgement by his regimental commander:
07.09.1942
Statement of Hasso von Manteuffel on the occasion of his transfer:
Exemplary officer and leader of his men in combat. Trained them very well. Recommended for the German Cross in Gold and for preferential promotion by naming in the (tactical) battle report of the division. Fully qualified for battalion commander.
O.U. 7.9.1942 (signed) v. Manteuffel
Colonel and Commander 7th Panzergrenadierbrigade
until 15.7. commander Panzergrenadierregiment 6