Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13, 4. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

July 13th, 1943

According to Patzwall / Scherzer the name is Hilmar Ludwig.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Feldersatz-Bataillon 94, 4. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

November 18th, 1944

On the night of the 19.-20.10.1944, during the fighting in the Bükk mountains near Szathmarhegy, Soviet and Romanian forces were able to get into the rear of the Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 13. The supply and retreat routes of the 4. Gebirgs-Division were thereby threatened. Major Kresse recognized the danger, and without waiting for orders from the Division he attacked the village of Resztelek with his Bataillon and took it after heavy fighting. After this he turned around to the south with his Bataillon and was even able to fulfill his previous orders.

Through this independent action Major Kresse stabilized a critical situation at the boundary between two German divisions and removed the danger of a hostile breakthrough. He would thus be awarded the Knight’s Cross in recognition.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

Gebirgsjäger-Bataillon 94, 4. Gebirgs-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 17th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 8th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 30th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 22nd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)