Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 5th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 14th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 15th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 4th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 25th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 25th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1st, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Oberscharführer (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

Führer, 4. Schwadron, SS-Kavallerie-Regiment 17, 22. SS-Freiwilligen-Kavallerie-Division 'Maria Theresa'

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1944

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

“SS-Oberscharführer Reißmann has participated in all campaigns of the SS-Kavallerie. He already distinguished himself in the winter campaign of 1942/43 by destroying a Russian tank. During the winter campaign of 1943/44 and the fighting around Kovel he was decorated with the Close Combat Clasp in Silver and the Iron Cross First Class for his repeated demonstrations of outstanding bravery.

In the fighting south of Budapest SS-Oberscharführer Reißmann again distinguished himself through extraordinary bravery. After the ordered friendly counterattacks bogged down in heavy Russian fire (including that from several Russian tanks), SS-Oberscharführer Reißmann set in motion two attacks with his Kradschützen Zug on his own initiative. After destroying a Russian tank (which was the lynchpin of the enemy resistance) with a Panzerfaust from close range he reenergized his Zug and the pinned down friendly elements back into forward movement, and brought the tank ditch back into our hands. His independently led attacks were primarily responsible for preventing the planned Russian breakthrough towards Budapest.

On the grounds of his singular achievements and his leadership qualities, he received command of a sector of the frontline wherein several small units (including alarm companies commanded by higher-ranking officers) were subordinated to him.

After 4 days of leading his sector in an exemplary fashion, during which he daily intervened in the repeated attacks of the enemy and in close combat, he was heavily wounded in the foremost trenches. He died on the 08.11.1944 as a result of his wounds.

I therefore hold SS-Oberscharführer Reißmann as one who is fully suitable for the award of the Knight’s Cross and a simultaneous promotion to SS-Untersturmführer.”

Awarded posthumously.