Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 29th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1940

in silver

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 3rd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 4th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

Unit:

Kompaniechef, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 508, 292. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

January 12th, 1942

The following wartime excerpt describes why Brüning was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“As the Bataillon’s forward elements reached the western bank of the Tarussa river near Maurino, they received heavy fire from the eastern bank. Leutnant Brüning placed himself at the head of a strong patrol, and with it he fought into the village of Maurino. By the late evening of the 25.10.1941 Brüning could report to the Division that he had captured Maurino and created a bridgehead of decisive importance for the continuance of operations. The independent resolve of Brüning created a situation for the Division that would be of decisive importance for all of its future combat in the time period 26.10.-19.11.1941.”

The following excerpt from a report by the regimental commander (dated 08.12.1941) provides further insight into why Brüning received the high award…

“When the Bataillon commander became wounded on the 05.10.1941 (just after the start of the Vyazma battle), Brüning took command of the Bataillon. He was confirmed as the Bataillon leader by the Regiment even though the Kompanie commanders surpassed him in both age and rank. Leutnant Brüning carried out his duties in a skillful and energetic way, leading the Bataillon successfully through numerous small engagements that culminated in a great success for the Division on the 25.10.1941. On this day he and his Bataillon broke through the enemy position along the Tarussa near Maurino and created a bridgehead, which was held by the Regiment until the 19.11.1941 and served as the basis for a renewed attack. During the creation of this bridgehead the commander of 9. Kompanie fell in battle, and his leaderless unit fell back under heavy enemy fire. Recognizing the crisis situation taking place at this moment, Leutnant Brüning put himself at the head of 9. Kompanie. With this unit he once again stormed forwards and reached the bridgehead garrison. After this he gave the Kompanie to a Feldwebel and personally set up the Bataillon for defense.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 12th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Führer, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 508, 292. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

August 30th, 1944