Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Pionier-Bataillon 161, 61. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 29th, 1944

On the 17.01.1944 Major Stürtz received the mission to close a gap between the villages of Glajadino and Volosovo with his Bataillon. But the Soviets got there firstm and so he was forced to make a stand in the village of Ivanojo with 3 field-howitzer batteries. Despite destroying 8 of the attacking tanks, the Soviets proved too strong and the group was forced to retreat to a group of barns west of Ropscha. Here Major Stürtz took command of the assortment of units there, which included a heavy howitzer battery, anti-aircraft guns from a Luftwaffe Field Division and other scattered units.

Knowing that holding this strongpoint was essential to prevent the road junction of Ropscha from falling into opposing hands, Major Stürtz resolved to hold his positions against the foe. In the ensuing battle, and in spite of superior hostile infantry, tank and air forces, all of the Soviet attacks against the strongpoint were defeated and 24 attacking tanks were destroyed.

Only when the group was given the order to retreat did they do so, and were able to conduct this movement successfully. Stürtz even prevented the self-destruction of the heavy howitzers and was able to bring them back along with the rest of the Kampfgruppe.

The actions of Major Stürtz in this battle proved crucial in covering the withdrawal of the 126. Infanterie and 9. Luftwaffe-Field divisions, which had been instructed to move south along the Satschina—Narva road on the night of the 19./20.01.1944. Holding the strongpoint prevented the Soviets from cutting the route of these two divisions. Consequently Stürtz was awarded the Knight's Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kdr, Pionier-Bataillon 161, 61. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 28th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)