Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

with swords

Awarded on:

1921

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded on:

1934

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Awarded on:

March 30th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant der Schutzpolizei

Unit:

Führer, SS-Polizei Schützen-Regiment 1

Awarded on:

August 18th, 1941

Nr. 385/41.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant der Schutzpolizei

Unit:

Führer, SS-Polizei Schützen-Regiment 1

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1941

Nr. 711/41.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Standartenführer / Oberst der Schutzpolizei

Unit:

Kdr, Stab, SS-Polizei Schützen-Regiment 1

Awarded on:

July 28th, 1942

Nr. 2211/42.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Standartenführer / Oberst der Schutzpolizei

Unit:

Kdr, SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1, SS-Polizei-Division, Heeresgruppe Nord

Awarded on:

September 12th, 1942

based on a recommendation dated 05.08.1942 and submitted by Div. Kdr. Alfred Wünnenberg

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Standartenführer / Oberst der Schutzpolizei

Unit:

Kommandeur, SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1, SS-Polizei-Division, Heeresgruppe Nord

Awarded on:

September 30th, 1942

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

“In the time period 19.-26.08.1942 the Russians tried to capture the mouth of the Tossna river via ceaseless attacks and amphibious landings across the Newa river with strong infantry forces (supported by tanks, aircraft, gunboats, destroyers and MTBs). This would allow them to take control of the road and railroad bridges that spanned the northern section of the Tossna. After capturing the bridges and establishing security to the south the enemy would then continue their advance along the Newa and the railway that ran parallel to it. This would enable them to establish contact with the enemy elements attacking from the east via Mga (whose attack began on the 27.08.1942) and break the siege of Leningrad.

All attacks were supported by large numbers of artillery and heavy infantry weapons, along with unprecedented amounts of munition expenditure. These attacks were almost exclusively conducted against the right wing of the SS-Pol.-Schtz.Rgt. 1.

Over the course of the 19.-21.08.1942 the Russians launched a nonstop barrage with all calibers of artillery, primarily against the right wing of the Regiment. At 04:00 on the 22.08.1942 they commenced an attack along the Kirov track with 2 Regiments, utilizing the mist that still clung to the ground. This attack was supported by tanks and strong artillery preparation. The Russians succeeded in breaking into our positions on both sides of the Tossna, and afterwards they thrust ahead up to the brickyard.

Oberst Gieseke, the distinguished commander of the SS-Pol.-Schtz.Rgt. 1, learned only fragments of what was happening amidst a sea of countless alarming messages. Contact with the Bataillonen was broken. However Oberst Gieseke swiftly realized the great danger not just for his right-wing Bataillon, but also the entire eastern German perimeter. Moving swiftly, he alerted the nearby reserve Kompanie, all rear-line personnel in the area, the Kompanie HQ squads of the 13. & 14. Kompanien and all horse personnel and drivers that could be found. As this was happening he received a garbled message from a forward observer which reported that the enemy had also broken through north of the railway along the road. Oberst Gieseke undertook his own countermeasures with calm and determination. Knowing the situation was critical, and that no-one knew the Regimental sector better than him, Oberst Gieseke personally took over command of the reserve Kompanie. After skillfully deploying this decisive reserve the enemy was struck by a bold counterthrust and thrown back despite their bitter resistance. Ruthlessly leading at the head of the Kompanie, Oberst Gieseke was able to inflict bloody losses on the foe and capture large quantities of weapons and equipment. The energetic pursuit thrust of Oberst Gieseke left the enemy no time to halt and consolidate their position. The bulk of the enemy forces that had broken through were destroyed, the rest thrown back past the place where they had penetrated the line.

Oberst Gieseke thus restored the old frontline through a combination of initiative and ruthless devotion to duty, and brought both the railway and road bridge into our control. Only his resolve was responsible for the fact that the Russians were unable to roll up the encirclement front before Leningrad towards the east (specifically Mga, where a strong Russian breakthrough attempt towards the west would ensure) from their newly conquered positions.

I hold this deed by regimental commander Oberst Gieseke as being particularly worthy of recognition through the award of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”

based on a recommendation dated 05.08.1942 and submitted by Div. Kdr. Alfred Wünnenberg - Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis (preliminary award document) presented on 1st October 1942.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)