Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Zugführer 3./Pionier-Bataillon (mot) 28

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1940

The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Hoffmann received the Knight’s Cross…

“Leutnant Hoffmann forced the crossing over the Maas river in an exceptional display of duty. In this battle he crossed over the river at the head of his Zug amidst fierce artillery and MG fire, inspiring his men as he did so. Later on his confident leadership and energy proved to be critical factors that led to the swift and relatively bloodless fall of a strong fort in the Maubeuge fortified line. Undeterred by the enemy defensive fire, he forced his way to the eastern cupolas and entrance to the fort with his Zug. He and his men then conducted their demolitions work in such a way that the enemy gave up after just a short period of resistance. Hoffmann was promoted from Feldwebel to Leutnant.”

The latter action referred to in the article was the assault on the eastern section of Fort Des Sarts (consisting of 4 armoured cupolas and the fort entrance). This took place on the 23.05.1940.