SCHÄFER MAX Schäfer, Max *January 17th, 1907 (Karlsruhe/Baden, Germany) +May 6th, 1987 (Baden-Baden/Baden-Württemberg, Germany) Knights Cross: February 12th, 1943 As: SS-Sturmbannführer Kommandeur, SS-Panzer-Pionier-Battalion 5, SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Wiking" Schäfer’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows… "SS-Sturmbannführer Schäfer was with his Battalion on the 19.01.1943 as they were heading southeastwards towards Prolekarskaja on a broad front. In the night, during a bad blizzard, they were attacked by the enemy. His objective was to capture a bridge at Manytsch on the main Prolekarskaja-Ssalsk road. The Division held the bridgehead at Prolekarskaja and they had to prevent the enemy from taking it. SS-Sturmbannführer Schäfer took the decision to become the cornerstone of the defenses here with his battalion. He launched an attack against the enemy that had broken into the bridgehead by advancing around it in their vehicles. Hard fighting followed and the fall of Manytsch was prevented long enough for the Division to pass through and evade heavy losses. Schäfer was at the focal point of this attack during the hard fighting." Oakleaves: January 25th, 1945 As: SS-Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant-colonel) Unit: Korpspionierführer, III.(germ.) SS-Panzerkorps, Awarded for his achievements during the fighting near Dorpat in August 1944. He was able to prevent an enemy breakthrough that would have resulted in a friendly regiment becoming encircled. Later, during the retreat movements of German troops, the hard-pressing Soviet forces threatened to capture two bridges. On his own initiative Schäfer and a handful of troops under his command were able to blow up both structures, at a point when the first enemy tanks were only 15 m away from the bridges. 714th Award. Postwar signed index card with UNSIGNED PHOTO Price: $40.00 Please contact us before ordering to confirm availability and shipping costs. Buy now with your credit card other ways to buy