Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Generalmajor (Brigadier)

Unit:

Kommandeur 18. Infanterie-Division / X Armeekorps / 18. Armee / Heeresgruppe B

Awarded on:

June 29th, 1940

The following wartime excerpt describes why Cranz would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Generalmajor Cranz had a decisive share in the capture of Dunkirk. The unstoppable forward drive of his Division despite the strong enemy resistance was in large part due to the actions of the divisional commander, who gave his orders from the foremost line at critical locations. At around 19:00 on the 03.06.1940 Generalmajor Cranz found himself at the foremost line with an Infanterie-Regiment. Here he gave his orders for the attack while under the heaviest of enemy artillery fire, which wounded four soldiers in his immediate vicinity. Thanks to his personal devotion to duty it was possible for the Division to break into Dunkirk on the 04.06.1940. Cranz placed himself at the head of an Infanterie-Bataillon and motivated his men forwards through his example. The personal actions of this outstanding divisional commander, along with the clear and purposeful leadership of his Division, led to a decisive success at Dunkirk in the face of a much larger and fiercely defending enemy force. About 50000 prisoners were taken in his Division’s sector alone along with uncountable quantities of materiel.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)