Walter Schmidt

Who was Walter Schmidt?

Walter Schmidt was an Obersturmbannführer in the Waffen SS during World War II. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak leaves, an award that recognized extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Walter Schmidt joined the SS in 1935 and was posted to the III. Battalion, SS Standarte Germania. He was later selected to become an officer, attending the SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tölz. Upon graduation he was promoted to Untersturmführer. He returned to the Germania as a platoon commander in the 4th Company, in time for the Polish Campaign. After that campaign he was given command of the Panzerspähzuges in the SS-VT Division, serving with them over the Battle of France.

In June 1941 he was posted to the Wiking Division, and took part in the invasion of Russia, Operation Barbarossa. On 9 April he was awarded the German Cross in Gold and was given command of the III. Battalion, Westland, SS Wiking.

Schmidt was awarded the Knight's Cross for his battalion's successful defense in the Izium sector.