Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer 2. / Pionier-Bataillon 20 (motorisiert) / 20.Panzergrenadier-Division

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1944

During the fighting in the Ukraine, east of Proskurov, Unteroffizier Memmert and his Zug occupied a forward strongpoint positioned to provide flank security to his Kompanie. Due to the presence of a steep bank nearby, it was possible for the Soviets to approach safely to within 30 metres of the strongpoint. As such they tried a total of 5 times to seize the strongpoint, the capture of which would allow them to roll up the whole frontline held by the Kompanie from the flank.

Totally on his own, Unteroffizier Memmert led his Pioniere in counterattacks at just the right moment against the attackers. In bitter close combat the attacking Soviet forces were crushed and Memmert’s troops captured several prisoners and numerous weapons in the process. Through his successful holding of the strongpoint Memmert prevented the Soviets from exploiting the danger to the German flank and thus enabled other German forces to clean up a hostile bridgehead in this area. He would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for this action.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)