Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer, 4. Batterie, schwere Flak-Abteilung 192 (v), Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

September 30th, 1944

On the 17.06.1944 Oberleutnant Heß was a strongpoint commander on the island of Elba when it was assaulted by 12000 French soldiers. During the heavy fighting on the second day his Batterie was able to repulse all Allied attacks and prevent the German lines here from being overrun. In its mountain positions the Batterie held out until its ammunition had all been expended, permitting a portion of the island’s garrison to escape by doing so.

The island commander, Generalmajor Gall (who only had 2700 men and 60 guns at his disposal during the fighting) was full of praise for Oberleutnant Heß and his strongpoint garrison. As such he immediately recommended him for the Iron Cross First Class as well as the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)