Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve

Unit:

Kommandeur I. / Infanterie-Regiment 427 / 129.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

August 21st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur I. / Infanterie-Regiment 427

Awarded on:

September 26th, 1942

During mid-August of 1942 the Infanterie-Regiment 427 (of the 129. Infanterie-Division) was involved in the bitter fighting in the Rzhev salient. During this time an important village in the divisional sector was lost to the Soviets, creating a perilous situation for the whole Division. Major Hofmann and his I./Infanterie-Regiment 427 were at the time fighting a tough defensive battle, in which they managed to defeat an attack by 3 opposing battalions following bitter combat.

Despite having an open flank to worry about, Hofmann realized the importance of this village for the continued fighting in the area. He thus made the bold decision to lead one of his Kompanien in an immediate counterthrust in order to recapture the village and thereby close the gap in the German defensive front. Hofmann and his men were able to successfully storm the village and throw the occupying Soviet force out of it following a fierce engagement.

For mastering a critical situation that threatened the entire Division Hofmann would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.