Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmman (Private 1st Class)

Awarded on:

July 29th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmman (Private 1st Class)

Awarded on:

July 29th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Sturmman (Private 1st Class)

Awarded on:

October 15th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

7. Kompanie, II. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment 10 "Langemark", 10. SS Panzer-Division "Frundsberg", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

April 16th, 1944

Silver version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

7. Kompanie, II. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment 10 "Langemark", 10. SS Panzer-Division "Frundsberg", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

April 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 7. Kompanie, II. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment 10 "Langemark", 10. SS Panzer-Division "Frundsberg", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

August 19th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 7. Kompanie, II. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment 10 "Langemark", 10. SS Panzer-Division "Frundsberg", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

October 16th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 7. Kompanie, II. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment 10 "Langemark", 10. SS Panzer-Division "Frundsberg", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

March 28th, 1945

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

“On the 17.02.1945 an armoured group of the 10. SS-Panzer-Division ‘Frundsberg’ attacked out of the Blumberg bridgehead in order to capture the village of Muscherin and, beyond that, Sallentin. From here it would be possible to strike out at and seize the strip of land between the Plöne-See and Madü-See near Lübtow.

Every heavily defended enemy village in this area was a very important prize for the achievement of the larger attack objective.

After one portion of the armoured group had captured the village of Muscherin after a hard battle, the other passed through the newly conquered village towards the next objective, Sallentin. Positioned at the spearhead of this attacking group was the Panzer Kompanie of SS-Obersturmführer Riedel. Without any artillery support at hand Riedel attacked the village with his Kompanie, followed by friendly infantry. Two Panzers of his spear tip Zug were swiftly knocked out, and the attack of the infantry bogged down under heavy fire. Despite the absence of friendly artillery and the strong fire of a powerful enemy Pakfront on the southeastern edge of the village, Riedel attacked both this strong enemy and the village after a swift and sure reorganization of his Kompanie. Leading at the head of his Kompanie, he inspired both his Panzers and the infantry forwards with the result that the attacking group was able to penetrate into the village.

As the attack of our own Grenadiers stalled during the battle for Sallentin (18.02.1945), and the tank-supported enemy forces tried to break through our lines and thrust into the flank of our divisional elements near Muscherin, it was SS-Obersturmführer Riedel who positioned himself at the head of his Panzers despite being badly wounded in the head and shoulder by shell splinters. Through this initiative he brought the halted attack of the Grenadiers back into motion. He pushed ahead of them with two Panzers and 6 enemy tanks were destroyed in spite of heavy return fire. This exemplary action gave courage to the Grenadiers, and the village (which posed a threat to the divisional elements near Muscherin) fell into our hands.

Only after the village had been completely cleared, and a defense against enemy attacks set up with Grenadiers and Panzers that were deployed in suitable firing positions, did SS-Obersturmführer Riedel allow himself to be taken to the main-dressing station. By this time he was at the end of his strength due to high blood loss.

The capture of Sallentin, made possible by the outstanding performance of SS-Obersturmführer Riedel, was of great significance for the subsequent defense of the Division’s bridgehead south of Blumberg. It furthermore resulted in the tying down of strong enemy forces in the Barmimskunow-Klemmen-Lübtow area.

SS-Obersturmführer Riedel has already distinguished himself during the fighting on the Invasion front by his prudent actions and great bravery. During an attack by elements of our Division towards Gavrus, the enemy attempted to thrust into our flank with 16 Shermans. Riedel saw through this aim, deployed towards the enemy despite a lack of orders, launched a flank attack of his own into the enemy while at the head of his Kompanie and destroyed 11 Shermans. Through this countermeasure the flank threat to the Division was removed.”