Heinrich Schmelzer

Heinrich Schmelzer (14 March 1914 – 4 April 1985) was a Hauptsturmführer (Captain) in the Waffen SS who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves during World War II. He joined the SS-Pioniersturmbann in June, 1935 and in September 1939 was a section commander in the 3rd Company. Later as an SS-Oberscharführer (Technical Sergeant) he was the half platoon leader in the same 3rd Company, during April 1941. He moved to the Motorcycle Battalion as engineer reconnaissance platoon leader between May and August 1941. In December 1943 he was given command of the mixed Pionier Company of the Kampfgruppe Das Reich which he led until the forming of the 4th Heavy Company which he commanded until it was dissolved in August 1944. At that time he became the 2nd Company Commander until Christmas 1944, then moved to the 3rd Company which he commanded until the end of the war. Schmelzer won the Oakleaves for his actions as sector commander of the Das Reich battlegroup near Cielle and Laroche, France on 7 January.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (1 July 1940)
 * 1st Class (27 July 1940)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Silver
 * General Assault Badge
 * Close Combat Clasp in Gold
 * German Cross in Gold (27 October 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 12 March 1944 as Obersturmführer and leader of 16. / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Das Reich"
 * 756th Oak Leaves on 28 February 1945 Hauptsturmführer and chief of 1. / SS-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon "Das Reich"