Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

In silver

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Waffen-Sturmbannführer

Unit:

Führer, SS-Grenadier-Regiment 42, 19. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lettischer Nr. 2)

Awarded on:

October 19th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Waffen-Obersturmbannführer

Unit:

Kommandeur, Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment der SS Nr. 42 "Voldemars Veiss",

Awarded on:

January 25th, 1945

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

“On the 23.12.1944, following a powerful artillery preparation, the Russians thrusted deep into the rear of the left neighbour with abundant infantry forces and threatened the left flank of the Division.

Waffen-Obersturmbannführer Galdins, whose Regiment was deployed on the left wing of the Division, immediately realized this critical situation and reoriented the left wing of his Regiment towards the north on his own initiative. Along with his small reserves (which were reinforced by stripping troops from other parts of the frontline) he created a makeshift frontline which continually adapted to wherever the enemy’s main point of effort was shifted to.

All while being personally engaged at the focal points of this battle along this ragtag front, Waffen-Obersturmbannführer Galdins succeeded in mastering these critical hours for the Division through his outstanding personal bravery, which in turn inspired his men to their highest possible resistance.

Nevertheless, thanks to the overwhelming forces at their disposal, the enemy succeeded in thrusting past this cordoning front in a northerly direction. Galdins again immediately understood the dangerous implications of this move. Acting on his own initiative, he again weakened another part of his Regiment’s sector, hastily assembled some alarm units and used these to launch a flank attack against the advancing enemy.

This flanking thrust caused the enemy to suspend their swift advance in order to defend against this new threat. It bought enough time for new security lines to be created that were able to prevent the otherwise certain enemy breakthrough from occurring.

On the basis of his outstanding achievements as well as the brave leadership of his troops, I hold Waffen-Obersturmbannführer Galdins as one who is completely worthy of the honour of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”