Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, 9. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 6, 30. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

October 17th, 1942

During August 1942 Oberleutnant Sparbier and his Kompanie were positioned in a village south of Lake Ilmen. This village became totally encircled by the Soviets, and after this they attacked the village over a 4-day period with great numbers of infantrymen and tanks. Sparbier himself was wounded during the fighting, and despite the arrival of a Radfahr-Schwadron as reinforcements during the second day of battle the Germans were still hard pressed to hold onto the village. However the Soviets eventually gave up after costly fighting.

Oberleutnant Sparbier and his 9. Kompanie had held the open left flank of the Division through this successful defensive stand, and for this achievement he was awarded the Knight’s Cross.