Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur III./Schützen-Regiment 3

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1940

The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Kratzenberg received the Knight’s Cross…

“Major Kratzenberg and his Bataillon (supported by Pioniere and a Panzer Kompanie) broke through the Dyle Position near Kraage and Cortil-Noiremont on the 15.05.1940. This was achieved despite strong enemy opposition and an attempted counterattack against the left wing of his Bataillon by enemy tanks and riflemen. Throughout all this time Major Kratzenberg directed the battle from the foremost line in a ruthless display of duty. He decisively contributed to this successful breakthrough of the Dyle Position through his personal intervention and brave personal example at the hotspots of the fighting.”