Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Führer, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 225, 16. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

January 12th, 1945

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

“Hauptmann Zimmermann (who fell in battle on the 29.10.1944) was one of the most distinguished officers of the entire Division during the time he commanded the II./Grenadier-Regiment 225.

Prior to this he had fought in both the Western Campaign and in the East, sustaining several battle wounds in the process (some of which were severe). More recently, he led his Bataillon with exemplary bravery and dutifulness during the heavy defensive combat in the western Vosges Hills.

During the course of the 04.10.1944 the enemy succeeded in achieving a penetration in our lines east of Brouvelieures with the help of their massive superiority in men and materiel. As this created the danger of a hostile breakthrough in the Mortagne valley, Hauptmann Zimmermann and his Bataillon were dispatched to seal of the penetration during the following night. Following this the objective for the unit was to take back the old frontline via a deliberate counterattack set for the morning of the 06.10.1944.

Hauptmann Zimmermann and his Bataillon managed to seal off the penetration successfully despite the pitch-black night conditions and the rugged hilly terrain. Then, on the 06.10.1944, Zimmermann and his men counterattacked the far superior enemy forces according to plan. Inspired by the bravery of their commander, the men of the Bataillon retook the old frontline in a relatively short time despite the bitter enemy resistance here. Recognizing the favourability of the situation at hand, Zimmermann then advanced beyond his ordered objective and managed to push the Americans back far beyond their original starting positions. By doing so he managed to take control of a few important hills that were of decisive importance as observation posts for the employment of heavy weapons. The bounty of this successful day amounted to numerous prisoners, 12 heavy machine-guns, 4 mortars and numerous other small-arms and equipment.

The ultimate outcome of this action was not only the intended prevention of a potential enemy breakthrough in the Mortagne valley. In addition, it also resulted in the capture of a number of commanding hills that would be of decisive importance in the subsequent days of battle.

Hauptmann Zimmermann and his Bataillon continued to deliver impressive results in the continued heavy fighting that followed in the difficult terrain. While fighting from a defensive position north of Les Rouges Eaux, the Bataillon found itself badly depleted by numerous hostile attacks and was later encircled on the 24.10.1944 by the ever-increasing enemy pressure. Nonetheless Hauptmann Zimmermann and his Bataillon continued to defend the positions as ordered with unbroken combat spirit. Heavy artillery and mortar fire tore great gaps in the ranks of his Bataillon.

Finally, after going for days with no food or ammunition resupply (the Bataillon had gone for 4 days without new rations and ammunition, and 2 without water), Hauptmann Zimmermann made the independent decision to use the last rounds of ammunition to force a break out to friendly lines (located 8 km to the east). It turned out that a retreat order for the Bataillon had been issued by this time, however the patrol sent to deliver the message did not reach the Bataillon. Thus, Hauptmann Zimmermann notified the officers and soldiers of his Bataillon concerning this last chance to escape captivity and distributed the remaining ammunition evenly. Then Hauptmann Zimmermann and his Bataillon pushed their way through the heavily forested/mountainous terrain (fighting through enemy artillery and mortar positions as they did so) in order to reach friendly lines.

Hauptmann Zimmermann mustered all the energy he had to encourage his exhausted soldiers to conduct this breakout. Even so, a few soldiers that had collapsed from exhaustion had to be left behind. 4 attempts were launched to break through the lines, however each time the heavy defensive fire… [there is a line of unintelligible text here] after immediately realizing that they were German soldiers, Hauptmann Zimmermann died at the head of his men after his Bataillon had finally reached friendly lines.

With this a truly valuable and capable soldier found his end. He had been gifted with the finest qualities, and throughout his career he displayed great camaraderie with his subordinates while also having the highest standards of bravery and determination in crisis situations. Zimmermann thus had a leader’s nature in keeping with the principles of National Socialism.

Hauptmann Zimmermann is fully worthy of being posthumously awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”

Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)