Wounded at Stalingrad... Iron Cross 2nd Class

[Brian R]

Here's a great little set I picked up on the estand a couple of years ago. The recipient, Peter Scholtes, originally served in a construction batallion, where he was awarded a KVKII in September, 1941. He also received his Ostmedaille for his service during the winter of 1941/42.

Scholtes later transfered to Pionier Batl. 754 which was ultimately attached to 6th Army as heerestruppe in 1942. As the fighting in Stalingrad intensified, pionier units played a critical role in combatting Soviet resistance. Scholtes and his unit were trapped in the Stalingrad pocket following the Soviet encirclement in November. The unit contuniued to fight while surrounded and Scholtes was wounded in action on December 8th. He was flown out of the pocket and, ironically, his wound saved his life. Pionier Batl. 754 was completely destroyed and Scholtes was decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class by the Replacement Army in March, 1943. He later went on to serve with a panzerjaeger unit after he recovered - and was severely wounded in action on the eastern front in February, 1945.

Here are his EK document and (first) wound badge document.

[Hank C.]

Nice pair of docs, with interesting background!

Hank

[Anti-Partisan]

nice!

[Antonio Scapini]

Brian, amazing docs for all who collect Stalingrad's soldiers documents!
Very interesting for the story of this soldier.
Tanks for showing us!

[Brian R]

Thanks for the comments.

It seems that Pionier Batl 754 was subordinate to VIII Armeekorps for, at least, some of its time in Stalingrad. I've seen reference (help from an AHF member) that VIII AK was headquartered in Pitomnik following the encirclement. Perhaps parts of the batallion were not in the city itself but serving in the airfield area in some capacity.