Gebirgsjäger clash with Soviet forces in the Caucasus Mountains in 1942

The man wearing the Ritterkreuz is Johann 'Hans' Bauer who was awarded the decoration for his actions during the Second Battle of Kharkov.

“The accounts by his Kompanie and Bataillon commanders speak for themselves. On the night of the 26./27.05.1942 the encircled Russian armies tried to break through towards the east and southeast in the direction of Bakscharnowka. In this context Oberjäger Bauer brought about an outstanding deed of bravery at an operationally decisive point while all alone and on his own initiative.”

“Oberjäger Johann Bauer was born on the 15.12.1916 in Metten (Lower Bavaria) as the son of farmer Josef Bauer. He outstandingly distinguished himself through his bravery, battlefield courage and readiness for duty while defending against an attack by massive enemy forces along the middle Donez. He defended himself during the night in heroic close combat, and after he had run out of ammunition he continued to fight with captured enemy firearms and melee weapons. An impending enemy breakthrough was prevented here thanks to his tough endurance.”