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Bruns, Diedrich

Date of birth:
March 17th, 1897 (Tossen-Potenburg/Hannover, Germany)
Date of death:
October 29th, 1988 (Oldenburg/Lowersaxony, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Diedrich Bruns finally reached the rank of Oberstleutnant der Reserve.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1938
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 26th, 1940
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 17th, 1941
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
Unit:
II. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 16, 22. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
February 5th, 1942

According to Patzwall / Scherzer the awarding date is 2-2-1942
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 27th, 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)
Unit:
Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 16, 22. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
August 9th, 1942
The following wartime excerpt describes why Bruns was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“The seizure of the ‘Armoured Mountain’, as well as the independent decision by Major Bruns to carry on his advance beyond the anti-tank ditch and into the enemy’s elevated field positions, were of decisive importance for the successful continuation of his Regiment’s assault. By this bold and skillful assault Major Bruns and his Bataillon laid the groundwork for the capture of the two strong redoubts that dominated this sector, namely Forts Stalin and Volga. The elimination of these bulwarks were of invaluable significance for the entire assault against Fortress Sevastopol.”

The decisive thrust mentioned here took place on the 29.06.1942.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1942
Krimschild (Stiftungs ausführing)

Sources

Photo