Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1915

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

August 3rd, 1917

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

July 21st, 1916

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, II. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 65, 22. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

June 16th, 1940

The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Zürn received the Knight’s Cross…

“During the fighting for Fortress Holland, Major and Infanterie-Bataillon commander Rudolf Zürn found himself executing a mission deep in enemy territory while at the head of a small battlegroup. In a display of bold personal initiative, he seized an important strongpoint from a bitterly defending enemy. He and his men then held this position with equal determination, defeating an enemy attack against the isolated battlegroup with heavy losses for the foe. His personal courage and skillful leadership here were critical factors that ensured the successful completion of this mission (one which was assigned an extremely high level of importance by the higher commands).”

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)