Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 24th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmman (Private 1st Class)

Awarded on:

September 1941

WIA 28.09.1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmman (Private 1st Class)

Unit:

Richtschütze, 2. Kompanie, Panzerjäger-Abteilung, SS-Division 'Totenkopf', X. Armee-Korps, Armeeoberkommando 16

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1941

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

“At around 12:00 on the 24.09.1941 the anti-tank gunner SS-Sturmmann Christen smashed a breakthrough attempt by 12-15 enemy tanks near Lushno from his firing position on the northern edge of Dubrowka. He did so by destroying 6 of the attacking enemy tanks with his Pak gun (5 cm). This firefight was conducted from very close range and while under heavy enemy artillery, rifle and MG fire.

During the morning of the 25.09.1941 the enemy tried again to break through with about 10 tanks. However gunner Christen again destroyed 7 of the attackers, a success which also brought about the downfall of the simultaneously launched enemy infantry attack. In this engagement as well gunner Christen fulfilled his duties while under heavy enemy fire until the breakthrough attempt collapsed.

Here SS-Sturmmann Christen demonstrated the will to destroy the enemy no matter where he appeared. He was able to accomplish this intent through his soldierly abilities, extraordinarily brave disposition and exceptional competence on the battlefield.

SS-Sturmmann Christen has already been awarded the Iron Cross Second Class (20.07.1941) and the Iron Cross First Class (24.09.1941) for his bold actions during the eastern campaign.

I ask that SS-Sturmmann be awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”

To this was added an additional comment by the divisional commander…

“SS-Sturmmann Christen has shown the highest devotion to duty and personal bravery by destroying 13 enemy tanks within 24 hours during the defense against two strong enemy attacks.

Christen did not leave his position even though:

i) He was personally under strong enemy artillery and small arms fire.
ii) The neighbouring gun had already been knocked out.
iii) The enemy had already entered into friendly infantry positions in the immediate vicinity.

Instead he continued to shoot one enemy tank after another with nerves of steel until the remaining tanks pulled back, which in turn caused the enemy infantry attack to falter on both occasions.

SS-Sturmmann Christen has a decisive share in the prevention of a strong enemy breakthrough attempt at Lushno (see attached map), something which would have endangered the frontline in the area.

I ask that SS-Sturmmann Christen be awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross in recognition of his heroic actions and their associated decisive success.”