Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)

Unit:

3./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 11

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1944

During the middle of April 1944 the Germans began a major effort to crush the Soviet bridgehead across the Dniester between Grigoriopol and Butor. Multiple Panzer divisions were involved as well as the 320. Infanterie-Division. The initial German attacks were costly failures, but after new Stuka strikes and the commitment of the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 243 the assault began to make some progress. It was during this second stage of the battle that Gefreiter Scharf would particularly distinguish himself. By aggressively advancing with his machine gun and attacking the defending Soviet forces in the flanks, he contributed to the elimination of a number of hostile anti-tank gun crews. In the end the Germans succeeded in capturing 45 Soviet anti-tank guns and about 600 prisoners during this offensive battle. For his contributions here Scharf would be awarded the Iron Cross First Class, and later the Knight’s Cross.

Awarded posthumously.