Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberwachtmeister

Unit:

Zugführer 3./Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 244

Awarded on:

August 8th, 1943

The following entry from the Kriegstagebuch of the Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 24, dated 15.07.1943, describes the action by which Meißner would distinguish himself as worthy of the Knight’s Cross…

“The Abteilung, without the 2. Batterie, was subordinated to the 86. Infanterie-Division. After a quick briefing from the Divisional Ia, the Abteilung commander went to the regimental command post of the Grenadier-Regiment 184 located in the forest by the railway line south of Malo-Archangelsk. The Abteilung was to provide security against armoured breakthroughs south of Busuluk. Around evening the Russians succeeded in breaking-in with strong tank forces. Leutnant Weil and 1 assault gun of the 3. Batterie [Oberwachtmeister Meissner] held their ground for several hours, despite being encircled and almost running out of ammunition. They were relieved in a counterattack. (…) enemy tanks destroyed [by the Abteilung on this day] was 17.”

The steadfastness of Meißner and Weil permitted the heavily decimated Grenadier-Regiment 184 to hold their positions and prevent a Soviet breakthrough. In recognition of this success both men were recommended for the Knight’s Cross, however in the event only Meißner would be decorated as such.