- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
- Unit:
- MG-Schütze, 11. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Jäger-Regiment 228, 101. Jäger-Division, Heer
- Awarded on:
- June 24th, 1944
On the morning of the 09.04.1944, during the fighting in the Usciezko area, a Soviet tank-supported battalion penetrated into the frontline of the 11./Jäger-Regiment 228. 2 attacking Soviet tanks poured direct fire into the ranks of the defenders, and as no Pak guns were available in this sector the Germans were initially quite helpless.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Gefreiter Baindner decided to take out both of these T-34s. Armed with only a Panzerfaust, he worked his way through the escorting Soviet infantry up to the tanks. Baindner finally destroyed the first T-34 on his third attempt, and the force of the explosion caused the crew of the other vehicle to panic and bail out (this second tank would fall into the hands of the Kompanie in an undamaged and drivable state). This brave action emboldened his comrades to go over to the attack, and over the course of the day the Regiment was able to eliminate the entire Soviet Uscieczko bridgehead down to the last man.
Baindner would subsequently receive the Knight’s Cross for his actions here.