Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 1./Grenadier-Regiment (mot) 87

Awarded on:

April 28th, 1943

During the German retreat from the Rzhev salient (Operation Buffalo), Obergefreiter Schiemann had taken up positions following the order to cover the withdrawal movement of his Division with a squad of seven Grenadiers. The Soviets, however, recognized the German intent and decided to pursue vigorously. They attacked Schiemann and his tiny force on both sides of the road with a numerical superiority of 20-1. Schiemann and his men fought like men possessed and were able to inflict heavy losses, however also suffered some casualties of their own. When the Soviets launched a renewed attack in company strength, Schiemann decided to meet them with a counterattack. He and his three remaining comrades pressed forwards with machine pistols and hand grenades, succeeding in surprising the Soviets and forcing them to break off their attack.

For his successful rearguard action against all the odds, which permitted much larger friendly forces to pull back unimpeded, Schiemann was awarded the Iron Cross First Class and the Knight’s Cross simultaneously.