Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 89, 5. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 19th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 89, 5. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

August 12th, 1944

On the 30.06.1944 the Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 89 particularly distinguished itself during the combat on the west bank of the Beresina river under its commander, Hauptmann von Reden. The unit managed to blow the Beresina bridges at Borissow at the last moment (although this forced the rearguard troops to cross the river either by swimming or with flotation devices). The Bataillon also did what it could to save what was possible in the Borissow-Nowosselki sector. All the bridges along the Beresina in this location were destroyed, with one such bridge in Ucholody being blown while several T-34s were in the act of crossing the bridge. In the area of Gruppe von Gottberg the Bataillon also did an outstanding job, this time in the infantry role. It provided the backbone for the numerous alarm units that had been subordinated to the Kampfgruppe.

For his Bataillon’s distinguished performance on this day its commander would receive the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)