Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 21st, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 12th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 22nd, 1942

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

5. / Infanterie-Regiment 2

Awarded on:

October 9th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur II. / Grenadier-Regiment 2 / 11.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

March 20th, 1944

The following press article describes why Dutter would be awarded the Knight’s Cross. The action took place on the 24.02.1944…

“An Allensteiner Grenadier-Regiment (hailing from the 11. East Prussian Infanterie-Division, already mentioned several times in the Wehrmachtbericht) had the mission of seizing the island of Pirissar (in Lake Peipus) via a surprise attack. By this action the last piece of Estonian territory under Soviet control in the Peipus sector would be captured. In the early morning the Kompanien worked their way over the ice onto the western part of the island, which was known to be free of the enemy. Hauptmann Franz Dutter, holder of the German Cross in Gold, led the northern Kampfgruppe.

However as he and his lead elements were approaching the island they suddenly ran into Soviet outposts. Knowing that it was impossible to assemble under the overwatch of the outposts, and that any delays would give the Soviets time to occupy their main position and alert their reserves, he decided to change his offensive plan. He attacked the enemy outposts with his scouting elements without delay. He threw back the enemy via an energetic attack, brought up the next wave of his Kampfgruppe and, without waiting for the bulk of his forces, thrusted against the main position of the island. After a short but intense fight this was broken through, and the Grenadiers entered into the first houses of the northern village.

Two Soviet companies were smashed following tough and bitter urban combat. Two key strongpoints for the enemy’s defense on the island were also captured. With this the battle for the island was decided. A springboard for the Soviets to cross over to the west bank of Lake Peipus and establish a bridgehead was wrested from hostile control. This result is thanks to the brave and independent actions of Hauptmann Dutter, who would later be awarded the Knight’s Cross for this achievement. The Wehrmachtbericht of the 25.02.1944 reported that: ‘Our troops recaptured the Lake Peipus island of Pirissar in the face of tough enemy resistance and went on to consolidate this position against several Bolshevik counterattacks.’”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 3rd, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 17th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 17th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Regimentsführer Grenadier-Regiment 2

Awarded on:

November 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1945