Speich, Paul (Pionier Bataillon 162)

Date of birth:: August 22nd, 1914 (Gütersloh/Wiedenbrück, Germany)
Date of death:: July 1st, 2005 (Near Pskov, Soviet Union)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

(Allgemeines) Sturmabzeichen (ohne zahlen), I.Stufe

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)
Unit:: Gruppenführer, 1. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon 162, 62. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: November 18th, 1941

Unteroffizier Speich distinguished himself during the great encirclement battle east of Kiev on the 20.09.1941, near Ivanyikovo. Fighting at the head of his squad with LMG in hand, he managed to ambush and capture a battery of 6 battle-ready Soviet guns via a surprise flank attack. If he hadn't undertaken and completed this deed, then the battery would have been able to wreak havoc not just on his Kompanie but also all the other parts of his Division in the area, including the divisional staff. This successful action also simultaneously blocked the retreat route of most nearby Soviet forces that were fleeing towards the southeast. Consequently, he was recognized for his important achievement with the award of the Knight's Cross.