Gustav-Albrecht Schmidt-Ott

Gustav-Albrecht Schmidt-Ott (20 June 1896 – 26 August 1944) was a German tank commander and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
During the second battle of Kharkov Oberstleutnant Schmidt-Ott was commander of Panzer-Regiment 6, the armoured regiment of the 3rd Panzer Division. In the first part of the battle the Russians had made major advances, cutting off the German Infanterie-Regiment 429 in the city of Ternowaja. The first German relief force, containing elements of the 23rd Panzer Division, succeeded in linking up with the defenders but was itself cut off following Russian counterattacks. It was not until 20 May that the Germans were able to try a second time. Schmidt-Ott’s kampfgruppe spearheaded the attack, capturing Hill 219.7 that was just outside Ternowaja. Despite being driven back that night, the kampfgruppe renewed the assault the next morning and established contact with the encircled units at 1005 hours. For commanding the decisive effort in the relief of Ternowaja Schmidt-Ott received the Knight’s Cross.

Awards & decorations

 * Iron Cross
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 7 October 1942 as Führer Pz.Rgt. 6
 * German Cross in Gold on 18 October 1941 as Kommandeur I./Pz.Rgt. 6
 * Panzer Badge