Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Fernsprechtruppführer, Stab, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 358, 205. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 17th, 1945

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

“Oberfeldwebel Reimann has already repeatedly distinguished himself through his steadfastness and readiness for duty during the previous heavy combat of G.R. 358 at Bauske, Baldene and south of Riga. Because of his outstanding feats of bravery during the hard defensive fighting in the 2nd and 3rd battles of Courland (namely in the area south of Frauenburg), he was promoted to Feldwebel on the 01.12.1944 and to Oberfeldwebel on the 01.01.1945.

Although his primary role was as a telephone troop leader, even back then he never failed to be a fearless and heroic fighter in the hotspots of combat when it proved necessary to do so in the most critical of situations. Although he is frequently deployed alone, he has nonetheless had a decisive share in the defensive successes of the Regiment on multiple occasions thanks to his personal bravery and initiative. During the heavy defensive combat of the 4th battle of Courland Oberfeldwebel Reimann once again distinguished himself through his pronounced bravery, readiness for duty and steadfastness.

After they had already repeatedly assaulted in vain during the previous days, the enemy launched a wide-ranging offensive against the sector of the 205. Infanterie-Division on the 27.01.1945. Their great infantry and tank forces were supported by a massive preparatory barrage, and when the attack began they focused their efforts against the positions of Gren.Rgt. 358. The hostile objective was to reach the important road Gobas—Frauenburg, and from there they intended to finally achieve a breakthrough towards Frauenburg and in the direction of the Frauenburg—Libau railway line.

Though our own forces put up bitter resistance, the enemy ultimately managed to achieve a deep penetration near Kacklini and Mutikas. They overran the hard-pressed defending infantry with their tanks, and these pressed on to a point just before the regimental command post. This created an extremely problematic situation for the Division, at least until it was mastered by the determined actions and unshakeable combat spirit of Oberfeldwebel Reimann.

Quickly realizing the impending danger of a breakthrough towards Frauenburg, Oberfeldwebel Reimann decided to fearlessly throw himself against the broken-through enemy forces (who were converging upon the entire Bataillon command post with 6 tanks) with just a few men from the staff. He stormed forward ruthlessly, and managed to eliminate 2 IS-2 tanks with Panzerfausts. Oberfeldwebel Reimann continued to give his men an example of the highest bravery, and although the Soviets had already bypassed the command post on both sides he kept fighting to retain control of the village of Gobeemji (which was of decisive important for our own forces).

He and his handful of troops held on grimly, and they were able to repel repeated Russian assaults whilst inflicting heavy losses. The fearless Oberfeldwebel Reimann was wounded no less than 5 times over the course of the 27.01.1945 (one of these wounds led to the loss of an eye), however he continued to put up resistance throughout the bitterly cold weather until he could finally be evacuated during the evening following a friendly counterthrust.

Thanks to this outstanding feat of bravery, Oberfeldwebel Reimann had a decisive role in thwarting the Russian attempt to reach the highway to Frauenburg and then carry on towards the city itself. His fearless actions here bought enough time for the higher commands to respond and carry out appropriate countermeasures. A boldly led counterthrust would ultimately restore the old frontline and fully resolve the situation.

On the 31.01.1945 Oberfeldwebel Reimann (by now wounded no less than 8 times) died a heroic death as a consequence of his most recent injuries.”

Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 5th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 29th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 26th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 9th, 1944