Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Truppführer 2./Pionier-Bataillon 122

Awarded on:

February 29th, 1944

During the battles NW of Newel in the winter of 1943/44, Oberfeldwebel Müller was appointed commander of the 2./Pionier-Bataillon 122 and tasked with holding some important high ground SE of the village of Samugarischa. It was not long however before the Soviets (with massive artillery support) succeeded in penetrating the line at the boundary with the left neighbour and thereafter moving to roll up the German positions on the high ground.

Recognizing the desperate nature of the fight, Oberfeldwebel Müller decided to remove his II. Zug from the right wing (which had not yet been attacked), and with these 20 or so men he threw back the Soviets in a counterattack. At the head of this force he led his men forwards and achieved this objective following bitter close combat. Despite being wounded twice in the process, he stayed in the fight until the gap in the frontline was closed and the broken-in Soviet group vanquished.

The Soviets suffered losses of over 170 dead/wounded as well as 30 prisoners in this battle. Müller, however, would succumb to his injuries after being evacuated. Yet his bravery and decisiveness had still prevented the collapse of an important segment of the German frontline in the bleakest of situations, and for paying for this success with his life he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross posthumously.

Awarded posthumously.