Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 352, 246. Volksgrenadier-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

May 9th, 1945

Hofmann’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 21.01.1945 the II./Gren.Rgt. 352 received the mission of supporting the weak defensive front at St. Vith. Subordinated to the LXVII. Armee-Korps, it was to reinforce the defense northwest of Born. The holding of Born was of high importance, as from here it was possible to dominate the important supply road Amel—St. Vith.

Leutnant Hofmann and his 6. Kompanie were to occupy the elevated western portion of Born, from which a commanding view was possible. However, upon arriving there from the south, 6. Kompanie ran into unexpectedly strong MG, tank and mortar fire. The Americans had entered into the village just prior to their arrival, and were in the process of consolidating their foothold there.

Leutnant Hofmann immediately decided to attack the much larger enemy force without the support of friendly heavy weapons.

Over the course of two boldly led immediate counterattacks, in which he (as always) stormed ahead of his men as a shining example of how to fight, he succeeded in ejecting the enemy out of the western part of Born. In the process two enemy tanks were knocked out in close combat, and a battalion staff with 4 officers was taken prisoner. The enemy left behind 35 dead.

Leutnant Hofmann and his men went on to endure 6 strong enemy attacks over the course of the following night and day. Despite strong enemy artillery and tank support in this time it was possible to repulse all attacks and retain control of the recaptured strongpoint through the employment of all forces.

Leutnant Hofmann always placed himself at the decisive points of combat, and in doing so he inspired the utmost from his men with his own brave conduct. He thus had a major share in the retention of the important supply road, which in turn enabled the continued viability of the defences on the northern flank of St. Vith.

Leutnant Hofmann has already previously distinguished himself as a Kompanie commander several times during the heavy defensive combat around Aachen. Here he demonstrated great bravery and decisiveness. In the more recent fighting he has been badly wounded by a shot through the lung.”


One proposal arrived at HPA on 30-3-1945 without the comments of all superiors, another identical which was approved by Reichsführer-SS (VGD!) arrived on 13-4-1945 and was supported by Major Domaschk, no HPA-VV prepared, no further handling to find, on two existing RK-Karteikarten there is a note: "unerledigt". Award accepted by OdR in accordance with so-called "Dönitz-Erlass", award date determined by Fellgiebel.