Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

2./Art.Abt. 400

Awarded on:

August 30th, 1941

According to the Verleihungsliste Nr. 1 für die Verleihung des E.K. 1 the name is Rudolf.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Führer Pz.Gren.Ers.u.Ausb.Abt. "GD"

Awarded on:

March 28th, 1945

Awarded for his actions during the defense of Guben (located on the east bank of the Neiße river) in the time period 17.02.-10.03.1945. Hauptmann Kirsten was initially appointed as a sector commander in the city, controlling 3 artillery companies in the area around the Reichstraße 97.

The German situation in the city was not good. The bulk of its defenders were very young and had only undergone two weeks of training. They were nonetheless able to put up a good account of themselves during the battle, and perfectly capable of repelling Soviet attacks under the right circumstances.

On the 27.02.1944 the situation had become especially critical in Kirsten’s sector. The Soviets launched massive attacks against the German lines, which could only be held as a chain of strongpoints. At the head of his men Kirsten led one counterattack after another, inflicting heavy losses on the Soviets. These actions proved enough to stabilize the situation, and enemy pressure dropped off noticeably in the following days.

Following this action Kirsten was able to hold the Guben bridgehead until reinforcements arrived. He then took over command of the Pz.Gren.Ersatz und Ausbildungsabt. GD after its former commander, Major Theermann, had committed suicide. Together with the Brigade 100 and local Silesian Volkssturm, Kirsten was able to defend the bridgehead successfully until the middle of March. For his stubborn defense of the city despite the very difficult circumstances he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.