Rudnick, Erich (Grenadier-Regiment 45)

Date of birth:: July 1st, 1916 (Nirschen/East Prussia, Germany)
Date of death:: November 25th, 1988 (Walsrode, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

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Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre

Awarded on:: 1936

Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: August 17th, 1941

Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: October 2nd, 1943

Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Nahkampfspange in Bronze

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: June 16th, 1944

Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:: Zugführer, Pionier-Zug, Grenadier-Regiment 45, 21. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: September 4th, 1944

Nahkampfspange in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: 1944

Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:: Pionierzugführer, Stabskompanie, Grenadier-Regiment 45, 21. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:: February 18th, 1945

During the fighting in Eastern Prussia, after the Soviets had broken through the German lines near Pohiebels, Rudnick decided on his own initiative to clear up the situation. Leading his Pionier Zug, he attacked into the flank of the attacking Soviet force and was able to throw it back with heavy losses. He and his Zug then sealed off the penetration area and contained all Soviet attempts to break through it in close combat (despite being vastly outnumbered) until reinforcements arrived. For this achievement Leutnant Rudnick would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.