- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Hauptmann der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)
- Unit:
- Kommandeur I. / Grenadier-Regiment 326
- Awarded on:
- November 3rd, 1944
During the retreat of the 19. Armee through the Rhone valley the 198. Infanterie-Division was tasked with breaking through to the north and reopening the retreat route. This attempt took place on the morning of the 29.08.1944, and by midday the I./Grenadier-Regiment 326 had captured the village of La Coucourde (north of Montelimar). In doing so it reopened the road through the Rhone valley, a feat of decisive importance for the entire 19. Armee. Such an achievement was largely on account of the skillful and brave leadership of the Bataillon commander, Hauptmann Dresel. For his actions on this day he would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.