Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur III. / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 143

Awarded on:

October 28th, 1944

Awarded for his role in covering the retreat of the 6. Gebirgs-Division during the withdrawal of German forces from the Liza Front (in Finland) to northern Norway. Major Ruef’s III./Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 143 had the task of holding a bridgehead over the Petsamo Fjord in order to accomplish this.

On the 12.10.1944 the Bataillon was order to occupy the line Santajärvi—Oksentinjärvi to block any Soviet advance from the East. Ruef, along with his 11. Kompanie and the Bataillon Pionierzug, was able to capture Hill 211 in order to facilitate this.

On the 14.10.1944 the Bataillon was finally authorized to pull back. Along the way they came under heavy pressure and were forced into a peninsula, but fortunately were able to find a land crossing from here to the bridge they needed to cross. The 12. and 13. Kompanien were able to pass over the bridge before it was blown.

A small group under the command of Major Ruef however got tied down fighting strong Soviet forces on the peninsula. Major Ruef was grazed in the head by a bullet and was left for dead while the rest of the unit went into captivity. During the night Ruef swam across the 600 m wide Petsamo Fjord despite his injuries, and was able to collect a friendly Zug of stragglers. With these men he made a 24 hour exfiltration through Soviet territory before finally reaching the safety of friendly lines, where he was reunited with his Bataillon. He would be recognized appropriately for his contribution to the friendly withdrawal and this daring escape.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)