Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Kapitänleutnant

Unit:

Chef 8.Räumbootsflottille

Awarded on:

August 18th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Käpitanleutnant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 8.Räumbootsflottille

Awarded on:

August 12th, 1944

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

“Has distinguished himself through his bravery many times as Chef 8. R.-Flottille in the Dover straits and the Flanders coast.

I. Since being awarded the German Cross in Gold he has participated in 9 minelaying operations, 33 battles with aircraft, 3 battles with MTBs, 4 long range gunnery duels, 10 escort missions of important freighters or warships through the Dover straits. Successes: 5 aircraft shot down, 1 MTB sunk, 71 mines swept.

II. Details: Cleared numerous mine barriers off the Flanders coast while protecting important objects. Held open convoy routes under the hardest of fighting conditions (mines, MTB attacks, numerous fighter-bomber attacks). With this he has a major share in the successful return of urgently needed cargo from the West. Mine clearing involved other duties as well: 3 boats were hit by mines, 2 of which were brought to harbour through Muser’s skill and tenacity.

3 mine barriers were laid according to plan despite long-range enemy gunfire. During the deployment of 2 additional barriers one boat was lost when it struck a mine; however the area was fearlessly reached, the survivors rescued and the minelaying operation completed. During the course of 4 minelaying operations since the invasion fighter-bomber attacks were a constant presence, yet despite the relatively weak armament of the R-Boats 2 enemy aircraft were shot down.

On 13.06.1944, without waiting for orders, Muser assisted some damaged S-Boats that were under attack from fighter-bombers in Boulogne. In an hour-long battle he protected S-179, and despite concentrated bomber attacks he was able to continue to tow the vessel until it was finally sunk. 1 R-Boat was lost due to rocket attacks. The crew of S-179 with the commander of the 2. S.-Flottille was saved. In broad daylight the sinking area was searched under constant fighter-bomber attack until the men were retrieved. This assistance was recognized gratefully by the commander of the S-Boats. The steadfastness and achievement of Muser in this time was a big demonstration of his bravery and leadership qualities.

He was wounded on 15.06.1944 during a bomber attack on Boulogne. His Flottille lost 2 boats on this night. The recovery of 3 damaged boats was overseen by Muser despite his injuries. It is on account of this devotion to duty that the damaged boats could be saved.

III. He is an R-Boat Flottille commander of exemplary bravado and superior coolness. He has an outstanding share in the major battles at the Dover straits.

IV. A photograph and biography follows this section.”