Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberwachtmeister der Reserve

Unit:

Nachrichten-Staffelführer, 8. Batterie, III. Abteilung, Artillerie-Regiment 24, 24. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1944

Pietschmann’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 07.08.1944 the Russians commenced an attack to the east of Stockmannsdorf (Latvia) with strong infantry and tank forces. The focal point of their attack was along the road Laudena—Vagales—Antuzi, and they pressed along this route with massive tank forces and follow-on infantry.

Pietschmann and his communication section (consisting of radio and telephone operators) were located in a homestead forward and left of his Batterie’s firing position (this was located just beside the road). He and his men had set up their switchboard in this homestead.

Suddenly, following a heavy artillery barrage upon the Batterie firing position, 2 hostile tanks appeared on the road. Pietschmann was the first to notice this, and he reorganized his men for close combat before moving out with a tank hunter team. Although he was spotted and fired upon by the two tanks he sprang forth through heavy MG fire with a Panzerfaust. After he got to within range of the second tank he fired his Panzerfaust, however the munition failed, and the tank rolled past him at a distance of 10 metres.

After this Pietschmann pulled back to the firing position despite coming under heavy fire from both the enemy tanks as well as those friendly guns that had commenced direct fire. After reaching the position he tried to bring up the left-wing artillery piece. After moving it a few metres forward he was surprised by another 3 incoming enemy tanks. He immediately rushed forward towards these tanks. One of his men managed to destroy a tank from a 5 metre distance with a Panzerfaust. Pietschmann personally eliminated the dismounted crew in close combat. One of the other two tanks was knocked out via a direct hit from the gun that Pietschmann had brought forward. The third received a direct hit (which jammed its turret), however it kept going forward.

Infantry were following up just behind these tanks, and they started moving towards the switchboard in company strength from a distance of about 100 metres. A fierce firefight ensued, and in the process the friendly MG crew was taken out. Pietschmann immediately took up the MG, stood up and began firing from the hip into the cornfield just in front of him despite being under heavy fire from the tanks just behind him. His ruthlessness here inflicted heavy losses on the foe. They were thrown into confusion and forced to go to ground. He utilized this opportunity to pull his men back to the main firing position, which would serve much better for defense.

Meanwhile the enemy had brought up new forces, and they tried to bypass the firing position to the right. Pietschmann immediately recognized the new situation, and so he rushed to the right-wing gun (whose crew had been taken out) with his men. From here he managed to smash those enemy infantry located just in front of the gun barrel via ricochet shots.

At the same time new enemy tanks appeared on the road, and these immediately took the friendly artillery under fire. The right-wing gun received a direct hit, and its entire crew (save for Pietschmann) became a casualty. At the same time the gun to the left received a direct hit, and the Batterie officer became a casualty. After this Pietschmann personally took command of the firing position, and rushed to the last gun that was still operational. With this he took up the firefight once again until all the artillery ammunition had been shot off. Then he pulled back to the edge of a cornfield located just behind the firing position, and from here he held off the enemy with well-aimed rifle shots.

After the enemy had entered into the firing position, he gathered up his men and launched a bold counterthrust with cries of ‘Hurra’. The enemy was ejected from the firing position, and it was thus possible to pull back all the friendly wounded troops.

Pietschmann’s actions here were a display of the highest bravery and determination, and his men were inspired by his resolve time and again.

Thanks to Pietschmann’s personal bravery, ruthlessness and prudent leadership here it was possible to hold off the enemy long enough to complete the construction of a blocking position in the rear. With this the enemy was prevented from completing their aim of enveloping the bulk of the Division between the Düna and Aikviste rivers.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 30th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 12th, 1941