Description
GERMAN KNIGHTS CROSS WINNER PRESS PHOTO – PAUL-VINCENZ JANSKY & HANS SIEGLER
Original wartime press photo with caption “slug” attached on reverse.
JANSKY, PAUL-VINCENZ
RITTERKREUZ:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Chef 7. / Jäger-Regiment 49
Awarded on: August 12th, 1944
During the summer of 1944 the Jäger-Regiment 49 found itself engaged in fierce combat north of the village of Baranovichi. After days of bitter fighting the village, whose defenders included the Regiment’s 7. Kompanie commanded by Oberleutnant Jansky, was set on fire and this caused a number of defending German soldiers to be badly burned. However it had to be held at all costs in order to allow for a provisional counterattack. This aim was thrown into jeopardy when the Soviets broke through the position beside the village, threatening to trap the whole Regiment. Realizing this, Jansky decided to lead an immediate counterattack to retake the old German line. With only 15 men of his Kompanie, who were by now totally exhausted from the ceaseless fighting, he stormed into the enemy while inspiring his men with his example. They were able to retake the old German line and hold it against all Soviet attempts to reverse this until the planned withdrawal of the Regiment had been carried out. For this action he would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.
HANS SIEGLER
RITTERKREUZ:
MG-Schütze 5. / Jäger-Regiment 49
Awarded on: August 12th, 1944
The Soviets launched a major attack on the front of the Jäger-Regiment 49 at the end of July 1944, supported by tanks and artillery. Acting in an exemplary fashion, Siegler proved himself a valiant and effective soldier during this time. He took up arms against the Soviet attack and, using an MG and Panzerfausts, was able to prevent an hostile penetration in his sector. His steadfastness here was a major element in forcing the Soviets to break off their onslaught.
For this action Siegler initially received the Iron Cross Second Class, but following his submission for the Knight’s Cross he would eventually be decorated with this high award.
