Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Zugführer 5./Gebirgs-Jäger-Bataillon 94

Awarded on:

December 11th, 1943

The following divisional order of the day (dated 19.12.1943) describes why Niedermeier would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross…

“The Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Leutnant der Reserve Niedermeier, Pionier platoon leader in the 5./Gebirgs-Jäger-Bataillon 94, on the 11.12.1943.

On the 31.10.1943, during the breakthrough to the Dnieper on the Nogaischen Steppe, Leutnant Niedermeier launched a swift thrust with his Zug (which was loaded on vehicles) towards the edge of the village of Stassja under the cover of darkness. By this move he took the enemy in their well-built positions by surprise, and with his brave Pionier Zug Niedermeier fought through the first houses while inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Through this action, launched on his own initiative, he pushed the enemy garrison (consisting of a company plus a cavalry platoon) out of the village towards the southwest. In the process numerous small arms and MGs were captured, as well as 6 heavy anti-tank guns. Through this bold move he succeeding in accomplishing a task that was of decisive importance for the further prosecution of a breakthrough by the whole Division.

Leutnant Niedermeier would however not live long enough to receive acknowledgement of his brave actions. He suffered severe injuries during the fighting in the Cherson bridgehead on 06.11.1943, succumbing to these the next day.

With proud tears we commemorate this fallen hero.

Leutnant Niedermeier is the 15th Knight’s Cross Holder of the 4. Gebirgs-Division.”