Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 27th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 25th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve (Captain of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, III. Bataillon, SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 "Norge", 11. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division 'Nordland'

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1944

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

“During the offensive battles southeast of Riga in the time period 23.-27.09.1944 the Regiment received the order to cut off the attacking enemy spearheads (consisting of infantry and tank formations) that had penetrated German lines by cutting them off from the rear and closing the frontline gap which they had created.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Gürz and his Bataillon had to bear the brunt of this offensive action.

As the attack ground to a halt due to a strong enemy armoured counterthrust, Gürz personally moved to the spearhead of a Kompanie and used his own personal example to inspire the unit to move forwards again with bold attacking spirit. Thanks to this the attack was reenergized. The enemy break-in position was captured and the old frontline once again restored. The personal actions and exemplary bravery of SS-Hauptsturmführer Gürz were decisive for bringing about this victory, through which the threat to Riga was finally eliminated.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Gürz died a heroes’ death on the day after the attack (the 26.09.1944).”

The Divisional commander added the following supplement to this justification…

“The fate of Heeresgruppe Nord depended on the destruction of the strong Russian armoured wedge aimed at Riga. These words of the supreme commander of the Heeresgruppe were given to the troops before the attack began. Clearly recognizing that his personal example would decisively influence the course of the fighting in the bitter forest combat, Haupsturmführer Gürz set himself at the head of his men in a model fulfillment of duty and in doing so decided the outcome of the battle. His personal dedication created the groundwork for the complete elimination of the flank threat and the preconditions for the continued operational freedom of the Heeresgruppe. He is fully worthy of this high award.”

Awarded posthumously.