Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Adjutant II./ Jäger-Regiment 229 - 101. Jäger-Division

Awarded on:

June 2nd, 1943

The following excerpt from a divisional order of the day (dated 05.06.1943) describes why Schmid was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“… Leutnant Schmid mastered a near-hopeless situation during the difficult withdrawal battles south of Krassnodar through his determined action and inspiring personal bravery.

On the night of the 09./10.02.1943 the enemy succeeded in capturing Trushenik, and on the following day they launched a regimental-sized attack against Kulturnij. The attack came in four waves and was supported by 6 tanks. Their initial opposition came in the form of the young, inexperienced Grenadiers of the Feldausbildungs-Regiment 381. Having only recently finished their service with the RAD, they became gripped by tank terror and abandoned their positions. They fled rearwards through and beyond the village, and it was not long before 2 enemy tanks entered the village itself.

In this critical situation Leutnant Schmid went across the battlefield, standing upright even while under the heavy enemy fire. He swiftly rounded up the fleeing Grenadiers and compelled them to bring their weapons back into position through his example of outstanding personal bravery and unbreakable calm. Leutnant Schmid deployed his young Grenadiers for a counterthrust, and under the inspiration of this extremely brave officer they found the courage to dash against the enemy with cries of Hurra. The Bolsheviks now fled in disorder. They lost 350 dead and 65 prisoners, including a regimental commander and 5 additional officers.

Leutnant Schmid thereby thwarted the enemy’s plan to sever the Krassnodar—Noworossisk retreat road through his battle-deciding intervention.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)