Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Zugführer 14.(PzJäg)/GrenRgt 353

Awarded on:

February 8th, 1943

In mid-January 1943 the Soviets attacked a German strongpoint SW of Toropez (which was defended by a small Kampfgruppe) with numerically superior forces including about 15 tanks. Feldwebel Stolz recognized the danger and rushed to his Pak gun positioned on the left wing. Together with the gunner they took up a hard fight, made all the more harder since the gun's firing mechanism was damaged and every shot had to be triggered by striking the firing pin with an ax(!). Nevertheless they were able to hold on, destroying 7 Soviet tanks at close range and damaging a further 3. The remaining hostile tanks fell back.

At this point both of the officers in the strongpoint became casualties due to Red Army artillery fire. To make things worse a Soviet tank had suddenly appeared right in the middle of the German position from a hollow, and it began to shoot up the defenders one by one. However Stolz was able to destroy it with explosive charges despite the opposing MG fire. He then took over command of the remaining defenders of the strongpoint, and they finally defeated the Soviet attack.

For his valiant actions here Stolz was awarded the Knight's Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer 14./GrenRgt 353

Awarded on:

June 12th, 1944

Awarded for his actions during the defensive battles around Polozk in April 1944. On the 30.04.1944 Stolz personally destroyed 2 heavy tanks with a Pak gun. He and his men held off several Soviet attacks, and with the last 6 soldiers of his Kompanie he managed to storm a height that was then held until the arrival of reinforcements. During the course of this engagement Stolz was severely wounded and later died of his injuries.

498th award. Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)