Schneider, Heinz (Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 59)

Date of birth:: May 13th, 1915 (Berlin/Brandenburg, Germany)
Date of death:: September 1st, 1996 (Meckenheim im Rheinland/Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Heinz Schneider finally reached the rank of Major. After the Second World War he served with the Bundeswehr and there finally reached the rank of Oberst.

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:: Führer, 3. Kompanie, Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 59, 8. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: September 22nd, 1941

On the 20.08.1941 the Soviets launched an attack into the flank of the 8. Panzer-Division on the Luga—Leningrad road, and threatened to achieve a penetration. Recognizing the impending danger, Oberleutnant Schneider and his Kompanie assembled to strike the attacking force (which had a strength of two companies plus heavy weapons) in the flank. His counterattack was successful and the Soviets suffered losses of 50 dead, as well as 90 prisoners and 2 anti-tank guns, 4 HMGs & 1 mortar captured.

For his success in securing the Division’s flank, Schneider ensured that its attack was able to continue without interruption. As such he was awarded the Knight’s Cross.