Who is Ernst Neubach from The Forgotten Soldier and what is their importance?

Ernst Neubach is a driver. He and Sajer strike up a friendship during a supply mission. Neubach speaks good French, and the two men share many interests. While Neubach drives, Sajer provides nominal security. Neubach is from Berlin, and he is married. One day the transportation column in which Neubach is driving is strafed by aircraft. Sajer jumps from the truck and escapes injury, but Neubach is too slow. He receives aircraft fire through the lower jaw and face, leaving him unable to speak and scarcely able to breathe. Sajer reenters the truck and takes over driving dutie,s while Neubach quietly dies in the passenger seat. Sajer buries Neubach's body, and he later visits Neubach's parents in Berlin.