Description
WARTIME KNIGHTS CROSS WINNER PORTRAIT PHOTO – STURMGESCHÜTZ RK WINNER – KURT SCHLIESSMANN
Wartime portrait photo & signature. 9x13cm.
Kurt Schließmann (August 6, 1920 – January 16, 2005) was a German army officer who served in assault gun (Sturmgeschütz) units during the Second World War.
Military Role:
- Served in Sturmgeschütz (assault gun) units, operating the StuG III.
- Rose to the rank of Hauptmann (Captain).
- Commanded the 1st Company, Sturmgeschütz Brigade 286.
Notable Achievements:
- Awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (January 18, 1945).
- Distinguished himself in heavy fighting in Hungary (Miskolc and Tisza regions), including:
- Successfully clearing enemy forces from the town of Diósgyőr.
- Leading a bold breakout operation that rescued trapped German troops and artillery with minimal resources and no friendly casualties.
- Credited with personally destroying around 29 enemy tanks.
Awards & Decorations:
- Knight’s Cross (1945)
- German Cross in Gold (1943)
- Iron Cross (2nd and 1st Class)
- Close Combat Clasp (Bronze)
- General Assault Badge (including higher grade)
Overall:
Schließmann was a highly effective assault gun commander, noted for aggressive leadership, tactical initiative, and success in defensive battles on the Eastern Front late in the war.
