Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter (Corporal)

Unit:

stellvertretender Gruppenführer, 9. Kompanie, Grenadier-Regiment 361, 90. Panzer-Grenadier-Division

Awarded on:

October 6th, 1944

The following press article describes why Rudolf Friedrich received the Knight’s Cross. The location of the act was listed as Spianlbeto…

“A Brave Lone Fighter - Obergefreiter Rudolf Friedrich Receives the Knight’s Cross:

With the award of the Knight’s Cross to Obergefreiter Rudolf Friedrich, born on the 16.11.1921 in Chemnitz, one of the numerous lone fighters on the Adriatic front has been recognized.

Together with his Zugführer, the Obergefreiter had the mission of restoring contact with the left neighbour (which had been broken by enemy forces that had penetrated the line). After fulfilling this order the Obergefreiter went on his own to find two missing comrades. Suddenly he saw 20 British soldiers who had thrusted through a gap in the frontline. The Obergefreiter went into position and, utilizing the enemy’s surprise, opened fire with his machine-pistol. His well-aimed fire brought the enemy losses and compelled them to request a surrender. In this way Obergefreiter Friedrich captured 15 prisoners along with 3 light machine guns, an anti-tank rifle and a light mortar. At the same time he also freed his two missing comrades from the hands of the enemy.”