Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 1. (Krad.) Kompanie, SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3, SS-Division 'Totenkopf'

Awarded on:

September 3rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 1. (Krad.) Kompanie, SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3, SS-Division 'Totenkopf'

Awarded on:

September 12th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

in bronze

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 1. (Krad.) Kompanie, SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3, SS-Division 'Totenkopf'

Awarded on:

November 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 1. (Krad.) Kompanie, SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3, SS-Division 'Totenkopf'

Awarded on:

February 19th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)

Unit:

Kdr, SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 11, 11. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division "Nordland"

Awarded on:

March 12th, 1944

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

"Deeds of valour by SS-Hauptsturmführer Saalbach, SS-Pz.Aufkl.Abt. 11

On 26.01.1944 the enemy attacked with a tank brigade (comprising 54 tanks) and accompanying infantry at Gubanizy. Saalbach and his subordinate battalion, with all of its heavy weapons, was very effective in repulsing all of the attacks that were put in during critical day against his battalion. He was always at the focal point of the battle, fighting without care for himself, attacking constantly and mastering all situations. With the heavy weapons his battalion destroyed 34 tanks on this day, 28 of which were T-34's.

On 27.01.1944 the enemy attacked all day long with heavy forces. Saalbach was found repeatedly at the focal point of the fighting, without consideration for risk to himself. He restored the situation and was a role model to his men. When the enemy pressed into one spot on the main battle line Saalbach arrived there rapidly with a collection of forces and personally restored the situation.

On 29.01.1944 the enemy attacked 2.5 km forward of the main battle line in Opolje using strong forces fighting with tank support. Again, Saalbach was always at the focal point of the fighting and fought with his few men, bringing all enemy attacks to a standstill until the other friendly-held parts of the main battle line were strong enough. Upon orders, he skillfully positioned himself close to the enemy and because of this two tanks were destroyed; then he managed to withdraw himself from the enemy."