| Manfred Schönfelder | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 March 1912 Hellerau, Germany |
| Died | 4 March 1983 |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Waffen-SS |
| Years of service | 1933–1945 |
| Rank | Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) |
| Unit | 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross German Cross in Gold Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class Wound Badge Infantry Assault Badge |
Manfred Schönfelder (18 March 1912 — 4 March 1983) was a Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel), in the Waffen-SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Manfred Schönfelder was born on the 18 March 1912 at Hellerau near Dresden. [1]
After completing his high school education, he joined the SS and was one of the first members to attend the SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tölz. [1]
After graduation he was promoted to Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) and posted to the SS Standarte Deutschland. [1]
He eventually became the Adjutant of the III. Battalion Deutschland Regiment and commander of the 12th Machine Gun Company, during the Polish Campaign and the Battle of France. [1]
In February 1941 he was given command of the Germania Regiment for the invasion of Russia, (Operation Barbarossa).[1]
From September 1942 to January 1943 he was on the staff of the 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking.[2]
During fighting at the Cherkassy pocket, Schönfelder prevented the loss of the entire divisions artillery, which enabled them to hold out for a further 24 hours and then made it possible for the division to withdraw over the rough terrain.[1]
They were also then able to hold back the Russians and prevent the division from being trapped and allow them to breakout. For these actions on the 23rd February 1944 Manfred Schönfelder was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.[1] [3]
Manfred Schönfelder survived the war and died on 4 March 1983.[1]