Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 6. / Grenadier-Regiment 279

Awarded on:

April 5th, 1944

On the 09.02.1944, following strong artillery preparation, the Soviets launched an attack on the left wing of the 6./Grenadier-Regiment 279. A great danger for the Kompanie soon began to emerge, as the Soviets seemed poised to roll up the whole Kompanie with their flank attack and annihilate it. Recognizing the danger in time, Obergefreiter Reuter took the reserve MG, rushed towards the attacking Soviets on his own initiative with his weapon and opened fire on the first hostile assault groups from close range, with devastating results.

During a short pause following this, he rallied 5 Grenadiers and launched a counterattack against the vastly superior Soviet forces. This counterattack succeeded in its aim, and also resulted in 5 prisoners taken. During further nocturnal probes against the last Soviet remnants, Reuter observed that they had penetrated into the positions of the left neighbour. Realizing the dangerous new threat this posed for his own Kompanie, he once again independently launched an attack into this area in the face of heavy opposing artillery and MG fire. He captured a hilltop position critical for the closure of this new gap in the frontline and defended it against all Soviet attacks (with much of the resultant fighting being in close combat) until reinforced.

Thus he had contributed heavily to the overall situation by not just one but two independent and decisive actions. For his bravery and determination here he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)