- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
- Unit:
- Streifkorpsführer, Frontaufklärungskommando 202, Heer
- Awarded on:
- May 9th, 1945
Strobl’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…
“During the time period 19.03.-13.04.1945 Leutnant Strobl achieved outstanding successes whilst operating as a Streifkorps commander behind the Russian frontline in the Liegnitz—Sagan area:
1.) Demolitions:
A) Destroyed the railroad bridge over the minor arm of the Sprotte (located south of Reuthau). This prevented enemy railroad traffic from running along this route for 6 days. Along this same railroad route he also destroyed a transport train that was carrying 6 T-34s.
B) Blew up sections of the heavily guarded Liegnitz—Sagan railroad track at 5 different points. He also destroyed the railroad facilities at the Ottendorf railroad station.
2.) Sabotage:
Successfully disrupted enemy supply traffic along the forest roads Primekau—Sprottau and Heerwegen—Neustädtl through a combination of flat-trajectory fire and tire spike booby-traps. Success: Russians were forced to assign their transports a very heavy guard along both routes.
3.) Reconnaissance:
Transmitted a continuous series of updates to FAK 202 concerning enemy supply traffic along Reich Highway Breslau—Berlin and Reich Road 115. By conversing with Russian officers he confirmed that the enemy’s 58th and 389th rifle divisions were being shuttled by motor transport for a regrouping. Also confirmed that the HQ of the 3rd Guards Tank Army was located in the eastern part of Hartau (castle and manor), and determined the assembly area of the same Army. Also dispatched a message concerning the airfield west of Sprottau (a location heavily protected by AA guns).
Leutnant Strobl has done a fantastic job as a Streifkorps commander. His achievements were only possible thanks to his purposeful and independent conduct.”
Proposal arrived via Fernschreiben on 19-4-1945. Approved by GFM Schörner, a HPA-VV, numbered 5095 was handed over (not existing anymore but it is noted down in the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze"). No further hints of handling, unfinished at war's end, accepted by OdR in accordance with so-called "Dönitz-Erlass". Date determined by Fellgiebel.