His leadership style often saw him on the frontlines with his infantry and engaged in close combat,[1] and he received several badges in recognition of this; the Panzer Badge and Close Combat Clasp, both in bronze, as well as the Tank Destruction Badge for Individual Combatants.[5] He was given command of the 14th Panzer Division's 103rd Panzer Grenadier Regiment in January 1944.[1] Promoted to Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel), he was awarded the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross.[4] Nine months later, and now an oberst (colonel), he briefly led the 14th Panzer Division as its temporary commander.[6] In October 1944, he was awarded the Swords to the Knight's Cross, the 107th recipient of this award.[4]