Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant

Unit:

Grenadier-Regiment (mot) 60

Awarded on:

April 9th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Adjutant Panzergrenadier-Regiment 60

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1944

During the battle of the Falaise Gap strong elements of the 116. Panzer-Division were encircled by the Americans near Dive. The leadership of these elements assigned Hauptmann Risse (the adjutant of the Panzergrenadier-Regiment 60) the task of scouting out a possible route along which a breakout could be achieved. Under the most difficult of conditions, Risse was able to accomplish this task.

Following this Risse was appointed to spearhead this breakout with an armoured Kampfgruppe of the Division on the following night, in order to open the way for the bulk of the Division. Utilizing the element of surprise, the Kampfgruppe was able to capture the vital bridge in this area after a short, sharp fight. In doing this Risse had an enormous share in facilitating the breakout of his Division from the pocket. For this he would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.