From left to right: Oberfeldwebel Helmuth Valtiner (Zugführer in 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Gebirgsjager-Regiment 143 / 6.Gebirgs-Division) and Generalmajor Ferdinand Schörner (Kommandeur 6. Gebirgs-Division). Valtiner received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 June 1941 for his bravery and decisiveness during the German invasion of Greece, two months previously. On 18 April 1941 the First Battalion of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 143 was ordered to force a crossing over the river Pinios and capture the position Evangelismos. The Bataillon ordered its 1. Kompanie to lead the way, intending for it to have established a bridgehead on the south bank of the river by 14:00. But by the ordered time a large portion of the Kompanie had not even reached the river, only Valtiner and 6 men. After a brief examination of the situation he swam over the river in full combat gear with his comrades. In doing so he was able to determine the most favourable crossing point over the river, and despite strong enemy artillery, mortar and MG fire he was able to hang on to a small toehold on the opposite bank. This was later exploited when the rest of 1. Kompanie arrived, and it led to the successful creation of the first bridgehead over the Pinios.
Source :
Michal S. photo collection
"Oberfeldwebel Helmuth Valtiner" by Roland Kaltenegger
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/81893/Valtiner-Helmuth.htm
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