Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Richtschütze 4./Artillerie-Regiment 6

Awarded on:

September 26th, 1942

During the middle of August 1942 the Soviets launched a strong series of attacks against the positions of the 6. Infanterie-Division. At this particular time Franz Schmitzer was serving as a radio operator on the frontline with the forward observer from the 4. Batterie. Over the course of the day two Soviet attacks were crushed with radio-directed artillery fire. But when the third attack began the forward observer was heavily wounded and fell out of action. In this critical situation Schmitzer took up the fire control himself, and by contacting and directing fire from three additional artillery batteries the new Soviet attack was stopped cold with heavy losses.

For his bravery and initiative during this battle, Schmitzer would eventually receive the Knight’s Cross.