Steffani, Wilhelm

Date of birth:: March 2nd, 1921 (Thülen/Brilon, Germany)
Date of death:: March 12th, 1989 (Brilon, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Unit:: Richtschütze 13./Grenadier-Regiment 948
Awarded on:: May 4th, 1944

The Soviets launched a tank-supported attack against the positions of Grenadier-Regiment 948 on the 09.04.1944 following a heavy artillery preparatory barrage. The commander of the infantry gun of Richtschütze Steffani became a casualty before too long, but Steffani decided to remain in the fight. Recognizing the graveness of the situation, he quickly repositioned his gun and awaited the onslaught of the Soviets.

He quickly destroyed 3 T-34s with his gun. Shortly afterwards another wave of 10 tanks approached, and Steffani was able to knock out another 3. An additional 2 T-34s were disabled by his gun, following which the remainder of the attacking Soviet tanks left the field.

The destruction/disabling of 8 hostile tanks by Steffani resulted in the successful defense of the front on this day. In recognition of these efforts he was awarded the Iron Cross First Class and the Knight's Cross simultaneously.