Thaler, Rudolf

Date of birth:: March 24th, 1919 (Krebsbach-Miming/North-Tirol, Austria)
Date of death:: May 10th, 1963 (Obsteig/Tirol, Austria)
Nationality:: Austrian

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberjäger (Corporal)
Unit:: Gruppenführer, 13. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13, 4. Gebirgs-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: December 9th, 1944

Before the 4. Gebirgs-Division occupied the so called Yellow Line on the 11.10.1944, it first had to withdraw along the line Szabed—St. Marton—Armenisul—St. Gotthard. It was during this time that Thaler proved his mettle. With only a handful of soldiers, and despite being wounded himself, he was able to hold a key position near St. Marton for seven days against numerically superior hostile forces. In doing so he prevented the outflanking and encirclement of his Bataillon. For this he was decorated with the Knight's Cross.