Kiev 1941

My grandfather has always been very circumspect when discussing his experiences in the Second World War. I recently got a random anecdote, which might help me track down more information about his service. This past Christmas, he mentioned that he came into Kiev once the city had been taken, to help with securing the city for the Germans. According to him, he found that they had poured fat into the sewers, rendering them unusable. He, a chemical engineer, found a way of clearing the drains with steam, while also collecting the fat to turn it into soap. He received some kind of medal/award for this, but second class, as he was not a German citizen and not eligible for the first class.

1. What unit would this have been?
2. What award/medal might this have been?
3. As he changed his name after emigration, how might I find out under what name he served?
4. Is this story even true?

Thanks very much for any and all help!

(reposted in a couple places, apologies if you see this more than once!)

 

Howdy N. Bee and welcome to the forum. Glad to have you with us. That is an interesting story of which I have not come across. Does not mean it didn't happen. I venture this research will take a bit of time especially with the name being changed. Hopefully one of us can help. Good luck.

 

Where was your grandfather from N.BEE?