Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Zugführer Infanterie-Regiment 20 (mot)

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1940

On the 16.06.1940 the I.R. 20 continued its pursuit of fleeing French forces through France. It had planned to advance through Naives, Culey and Ligny.

Leutnant Steger was sent forwards on a motorcycle at around midday in order to reconnoiter a potential rest area at Culey. While in the village he encountered a French artillery battalion that was coming from the east. Steger drew his pistol and demanded that the battalion commander immediately surrender his unit, telling him that strong Panzer forces were coming their way as they spoke.

The French commander acceded his offer. The result was that this single German officer accepted the surrender of a unit consisting of 12 officers and 286 men (a third of which were black troops) as well as their 12 artillery pieces and all the associated horses, vehicles and ammunition.

Leutnant Steger would later receive the Knight’s Cross for this bold deed.