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Schneider, Josef (97. Jäger-Division)

Date of birth:
July 14th, 1914 (Rheinbreitbach/Rhineprovince, Germany)
Date of death:
April 26th, 1981 (Rheinbreitbach, West Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

Reached the rank of Hauptmann der Reserve.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 27th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 10th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel der Reserve (Warrant Officer of Reserves)
Unit:
Zugführer, 11. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 207, 97. leichte Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
March 1st, 1942

770th Award.
Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel der Reserve (Warrant Officer of Reserves)
Unit:
Zugführer, 11. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 207, 97. leichte Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
June 27th, 1942
On the 23.05.1942, near Kamenka, Schneider observed an Soviet company shifting position in front of his own Zug. Sensing that this was a vulnerable time for them, he decided to launch an attack. With only two squads under his command, he succeeded in shattering the Soviet company. The result was about 30 enemy dead along with 13 prisoners, against no losses to Schneider and his men. In recognition of this feat, Schneider would receive the Knight’s Cross.

1022nd Heer Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
Führer, 13. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Jäger-Regiment 207, 97. Jäger-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
February 10th, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
On 18.12.1943 the second battle for the Nikopol bridgehead began. The Soviets attempted a large scale assault towards Bolschaja-Lepaticha, with the Jäger-Regiment 207 dead in their path. During this battle Leutnant Schneider once again demonstrated his resolve and bravery through the recovery of an important hilltop position. In doing so he contributed to halting the Soviet attack, which ultimately collapsed by the end of 20.12.1943. For his actions here Schneider was decorated with the Oakleaves.

389th Award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
3. Kompanie, Feldersatz-Bataillon 81, 97. Jäger-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
January 20th, 1945
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Sources

Photo