Jochimsen, Bernhard

Date of birth:: December 25th, 1919 (Handewittfeld-Langberg/Schleswick-Holstein, Germany)
Date of death:: October 14th, 1999 (Wanderup/Schleswick-Holstein, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)
Unit:: Gruppenführer, 1. Kompanie, Pionier-Bataillon 290, 290. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: April 28th, 1945

On the 19.03.1945, the first day of the Sixth Battle of Courland, Soviet forces began repeated attacks on the 1./Pionier-Bataillon 290 following strong artillery and mortar fire. Among the defenders in this sector was Unteroffizier Jochimsen and his squad, who defended the road from Nedras to Stunguri. The enemy would choose to concentrate on this sector with the goal of breaking through into the forests beyond.

Under the inspirational leadership of its commander, Jochimsen’s already much depleted squad held off the enemy in an incredible fight. One man after another fell, and yet the enemy continued attacking. Finally only Jochimsen and a machine-gunner were left, and then the enemy attacked once again and wounded the machine-gunner in close combat. Unteroffizier Jochimsen eliminated these attackers with grenades and his MP, took over the MG himself and then forced the Soviets to retreat.

After leaving behind a trail of dead, the enemy launched a series of three attacks altogether following a short regrouping. Now all alone, Jochimsen was able to hold off all of these with his MG until reinforcements from the rear finally arrived.

By this outstanding performance in an almost hopeless situation, Jochimsen ensured that the German frontline held and that the attacking enemy forces were unable to make contact with their comrades who had been encircled behind the German lines. For his outstanding bravery here Jochimsen would be later awarded the Knight’s Cross.