Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 577, 305. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

May 11th, 1945

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

“Kordemann, commander of the strongpoint on Hill 459 (garrison strength: 3 NCOs and 16 men), has held his positions against powerful enemy attacks whilst demonstrating exemplary steadfastness and decisiveness. During a renewed enemy assault he held the strongpoint in a fanatical man to man fight with his remaining 9 men. Despite being shot through the thigh and buttocks, he went on to launch a counterthrust into the flank of the enemy with 4 men. His superb performance here enabled the continued retention of the vital Hill 459, a position which overlooked and dominated the entire frontline and Paula line held by Grenadier Regiments 577 & 578.”

This action took place on the 10.04.1945.


His nomination was sent by his unit to the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) as a teleprinter message on 10 May 1945. Major Joachim Domaschk asked the Heeresgruppe C the date of action and the presentation date of the Iron Cross 1st class, which was answered on the same day. Major Domaschk approved the nomination and noted "Knight's Cross yes" without stating a date. There is no evidence of the presentation, which would anyhow have been illegal. The presentation date is an assumption of the OdR.