Schmude, Ernst-Friedrich (Grenadier-Regiment 732)

Date of birth:: September 11th, 1916 (Berlin, Germany)
Date of death:: October 3rd, 1988 (Frankfurt am Main, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
Unit:: Führer, II./ Grenadier-Regiment 732, 712. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: May 9th, 1945

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

“Hauptmann Schmude demonstrated an exceptional standard of initiative, toughness and personal courage on the 15. & 16.04.1945. In the face of overwhelming enemy forces, he personally led 17 immediate counterthrusts (most with only a few men) against hostile penetrations. In this manner he succeeded in repeatedly hanging onto the frontline sector of his Bataillon. This officer was the soul of the resistance in the most bitterly contested area of the Division’s frontline, and it’s largely on his account that the Division has been able to hold its sector east of the Reich capital up until now.”

Unofficial award.