S. S. Peiper: Life and Death of Jochen Peiper

The SPW battalion he commanded from 1942 - 1943, gained the nickname 'Lötlampenbatallion' because of Peiper's preference of attacking enemy held villages by night from all sides, driving at full throttle and firing from all weapons which put the straw roofs of the buildings on fire and contributed to panic among enemy troops. On May 6, 1943 the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (German Cross in Gold) was awarded him for his achievements in February 1943. The proposal for the award reads as follows:"In Stawerowka the battalion was ordered to take Zigderowka. The mission was executed by night against heavy resistance and an enemy battalion was routed, four 7,62 guns, an infantry gun, 10 mortars and many machine guns and hand guns being captured and destroyed. Peiper advanced immediately towards Kasatschij Maidan,encountered an enemy battalion on the march and executed a hasty attack. Here, he inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and took Kasatschij Maidan. From here Peiper prepared his battalion for the attack on Jeremejewka, attacked it at dawn against heavy resistance and took Jeremejewka. Exploiting the confusion among the enemy, the battalion advanced on Leninskij and broke the last resistance. By an immediate advance, he inflicted heavy losses on the enemy which was fleeing through open fields. The battalion destroyed one T 34, six guns 7,62 and captured 300 horses .Three sledge columns were routed. The enemy casualties amounted about to anywhere from 800 to 900. SS Sturmbannführer Peiper has distinguished himself in all these fights by a sensible command of his battalion and personal bravery and has proven himself worthy of the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold." Three days after his actions on the March 6th, 1943, he received the Knight's Cross. The proposal reads as follows:"SS Sturmbannführer Peiper commander III/2 Pz Gren Reg LAH had on 6 march 1943 ...