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Grünert, Richard (Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7)

Date of birth:
October 8th, 1899 (Ströbel/Landkreis Schweidnitz/Silesia, Germany)
Date of death:
March 13th, 1943 (Malaya Kamenka, Isjum, Rostov, Soviet Union)
Buried on:
German War Cemetery Kharkiv
Plot: 5. Row: 12. Grave: 983.
Nationality:
German

Biography

00.00.1917: Kriegsfreiwilliger
00.00.1929: promoted to Unteroffizier
00.00.1937: promoted to Leutnant der Reserve
00.08.1939: Schützen-Regiment 7
00.00.1939: Leutnant der Reserve, Kompanieführer, Schützen-Regiment 7, campaign in Poland
00.00.1940: campaign in France
00.06.1941: campaign in Russia - Vilna
14.10.1941: promoted to Oberleutnant der Reserve, Führer, 3. Schwadron, Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 - Wjasma Pocket
00.00.1942: promoted to Hauptmann der Reserve
00.05.1942: Hauptmann der Reserve, Führer, I. Bataillon, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 7, 7. Panzer-Division, France
00.06.1942: I. Bataillon, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 7, 7. Panzer-Division, Russia
01.02.1943: promoted to Major der Reserve, Führer, I. Bataillon, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 7, 7. Panzer-Division
13.03.1943: Major der Reserve, Führer, I. Bataillon, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 7, 7. Panzer-Division, KIA by a handgrenade at Malaja Kamenka
00.03.1943: posthumously promoted to Obersleutnant der Reserve


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Schlesisches Bewährungsabzeichen 2. Stufe
Baltenkreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
1934
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Awarded on:
1936
Olympia Erinnerungsmedaille
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  3.Klasse, 12 Jahre
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  2. Klasse, 18 Jahre
Awarded on:
1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 22nd, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 18th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1941
Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1942
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
Führer, 3. Schwadron, Kradschützen-Bataillon 7, 7. Panzer-Division, LVI. Armee-Korps, 9. Armee, Heeresgruppe Mitte
Awarded on:
October 14th, 1941
After already distinguishing himself during the capture of Vilnius, Grünert would go on to deliver an outstanding performance during Operation Typhoon on the 03.10.1941 at Matrjonina and later on the 11.-12.10.1941 when reaching an important highway. In this latter action, taking place near Vyazma, he and his troops stormed a well-camouflaged position along the highway as well as some high ground nearby. After his Zug leader had fallen Grünert led his men forward into combat personally and was able to capture this Soviet blocking position after a hard fight. He would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for the sum of these achievements.

736th Award
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)
Unit:
Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7, 7. Panzer-Division, Armee Kempf, Heeresgruppe Süd
Awarded on:
May 17th, 1943
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
On the morning of the 10.03.1943, near a Soviet bridgehead over the Donez river, the city of Kamenka and the nearby village of Donetzkij was overrun by attacking Soviet troops. In response Major Grünert launched a counterthrust with his Bataillon to recapture Kamenka even though his unit was running low on ammunition. After quickly assembling for this Grünert and his men succeeded in retaking the city, and by doing so they prevented a Soviet breakthrough in the area. Grünert, who would die in battle a few days later, received the Oakleaves for his decisive actions here.

244st Award. Posthumously awarded.

Sources

Photo