Alfred Schiemann (10 February 1913 - 13 July 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 April 1943 as Obergefreiter and Gruppenführer in 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 87 (motorisiert) / 36.Infanterie-Division (motorisiert). During the German retreat from the Rzhev salient (Operation Buffalo), Obergefreiter Schiemann had taken up positions following the order to cover the withdrawal movement of his Division with a squad of seven Grenadiers. The Soviets, however, recognized the German intent and decided to pursue vigorously. They attacked Schiemann and his tiny force on both sides of the road with a numerical superiority of 20-1. Schiemann and his men fought like men possessed and were able to inflict heavy losses, however also suffered some casualties of their own. When the Soviets launched a renewed attack in company strength, Schiemann decided to meet them with a counterattack. He and his three remaining comrades pressed forwards with machine pistols and hand grenades, succeeding in surprising the Soviets and forcing them to break off their attack. For his successful rearguard action against all the odds, which permitted much larger friendly forces to pull back unimpeded, Schiemann was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse and the Ritterkreuz simultaneously.
Schiemann was killed in action three month later, North of Kursk, on 13 July 1943...
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