GdR Membership Application of Paul Speich – Pionier-Bataillon 162 (RK)

Original (document from after war!) Gemeinschaft Deutscher Ritterkreuzträger (GdR) Membership application of Paul Speich. Oberfeldwebel Paul Speich (22.08.1914 † 01.07.2005) earned the Ritterkreuz on November 18, 1941 as Unteroffizier und Gruppenführer in the 1. Kompanie/ Pionier-Bataillon 162 of the 62. Infanterie-Division. Good Condition. Unsigned, With photo attached!

Knight’s Cross: Unteroffizier Speich distinguished himself during the great encirclement battle east of Kiev on the 20.09.1941, near Ivanyikovo. Fighting at the head of his squad with LMG in hand, he managed to ambush and capture a battery of 6 battle-ready Soviet guns via a surprise flank attack. If he hadn’t undertaken and completed this deed, then the battery would have been able to wreak havoc not just on his Kompanie but also all the other parts of his Division in the area, including the divisional staff. This successful action also simultaneously blocked the retreat route of most nearby Soviet forces that were fleeing towards the southeast. Consequently, he was recognized for his important achievement with the award of the Knight’s Cross.