Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 2nd, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 27th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 30th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 30th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 3rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Kdr, SS-Panser-Artillerie-Regiment "Das Reich"

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1943

Award 494/25.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Standartenführer (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 2, 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”, 7. Armee, Heeresgruppe B

Awarded on:

August 27th, 1944

Kreutz’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 09.07.1944 American forces (supported by tanks) achieved a penetration in the area east and southeast of Le Desert.

A counterattack by the SS-Pz.Pi.Btl. 2 ‘Das Reich’ to close the frontline gap and restore the old frontline would no longer be effective, as the friendly elements on the west bank of the Vire and near Cavigny (from the I./Inf.Rgt. 984, Pionier-Schule Angers and the Füsilier-Btl. 275) had already pulled back.

The I./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 3 ‘Deutschland’ was encircled by the Americans, but managed to break out to the south.

In this situation SS-Standartenführer Kreutz moved forward to the command post of the Kampfgruppe at Haut au Duc under heavy artillery fire, and he let himself be briefed on what was going on. Recognizing the looming danger for the whole front northwest of St. Lo, SS-Standartenführer Kreutz immediately contacted 5 friendly artillery batteries in the area northwest of St. Lo on his on initiative. With this he launched a coordinated artillery barrage so as to seal off the penetration at Chateau de la Mare de Calvigny and the area to the west of there.

This sudden artillery bombardment with 5 Artillerie-Abteilungen prevented a further American push against the south and southwest, and even forced them into a disorderly retreat towards the north.

The ruthless personal action of SS-Standartenführer Kreutz, conducted with lightning speed and deliberateness, prevented an otherwise inevitable breakthrough and guaranteed the restoration of the old frontline.

On the 10.07.1944, following their crossing of the Vire canal, the enemy achieved a breakthrough towards Haut Verney via Goucherie. In doing so they cut of elements of the SS-Pz.Gren.Div. ‘Götz von Berlichingen’ located in the so-called ‘Finger’ near Graignes, which were holding a front towards the north. At 13:25 Haut Verney was captured by the enemy. They thrusted further to the south and southwest, captured St. Andre and continued to place pressure in the direction of Le Port. By 17:30 the enemy was thrusting forward from Haut Verney towards Le Mesnil-Angot, and had captured the village. Some of their units had even reached as far as the northeast corner of Bois du Hommet.

Friendly elements were only barely holding off the strongly pursuing enemy. In this dangerous situation SS-Standartenführer Kreutz received a message that Tribehou had almost completely been stripped of friendly forces. In response he deployed hastily assembled elements of the 11.(Flak)/SS-Pz.A.R. 2 ‘DR’ and the s.SS-Beob.Battr. 102 to secure the village, with orders to hold Tribehou under all circumstances. At the same time he also created an anti-tank defense with elements of a Pak-Abteilung in Tribehou towards the north and northeast, and likewise at Le Haye. These units were to intercept the reported enemy tanks that were incoming while also providing some backbone to the exhausted friendly infantry.

Units of straggling infantry were rallied on his orders and brought into position at Tribehou. Under his own personal leadership the units at Tribehou (along with further elements of the Artillerie-Regiment) were able to repulse a penetration into the northwestern part of the village. Once again SS-Standartenführer Kreutz especially distinguished himself by his firm leadership and ruthless devotion to the combat.

On the grounds of his demonstrated bravery, I hold SS-Standartenführer Kreutz as one who is worthy of being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”

3517th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Standartenführer (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 2, 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”, 7. Armee, Heeresgruppe B

Awarded on:

May 6th, 1945

Awarded for further distinguishing himself in the Ardennes, Hungary and around Vienna (the latter in particular). In Vienna his guns took up firing positions at an important crossroads in order to directly fire upon the Soviet breakthrough attempts. During the withdrawal of the Division the Artillerie-Regiment formed the rearguard (a likely unique case). Kreutz would be recognized for the military achievements of his Regiment during these engagements.

863rd Award.
Awarding by SS-Oberstgruppenführer / Generaloberst der Waffen-SS Sepp Dietrich, Oberbefehlshaber 6.SS-Panzerarmee. Awarding has not been verified by the Bundesarchiv.