Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 17th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 2 "Scharnhorst", Infanterie-Division "Scharnhorst", Heer

Awarded on:

April 28th, 1945

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

“On the 13. & 14.04.1945, Hauptmann Rieger and his I./Gren.Rgt. ‘Scharnhorst’ were tasked with eliminating the bridgehead at Schönebeck. To this end the commander led his Bataillon in an energetic attack through Elbenau on the 13.04.1945, and the toughly defending enemy forces there were thrown back in the direction of Grünewald. The Bataillon commander then decided to pursue the enemy towards Grünewald with one Kompanie and throw them back across the Elbe, whilst the remainder of the Bataillon continued to advance towards the northwest in order to roll up the bridgehead at Westerhüsen from the south. This attack was successful, and the Bataillon crushed all opposing resistance in a bold attack. Hauptmann Rieger led his men to the pontoon bridge near Westerhüsen and destroyed it with Panzerfausts and explosive charges. The destruction of this bridge by Hauptmann Rieger was of decisive importance for friendly operations during the following days. During this operation the Bataillon captured 220 prisoners as well as abundant quantities of weapons and ammunition.”

The following comment by the commander of Inf.Div. ‘Scharnhorst’ further expands upon the significance of this action…

“The potentially dangerous expansion of the bridgehead at Schönebeck was prevented thanks to the personal energy, bravery and decisiveness of Hauptmann Rieger. Hauptmann Rieger thereby has a major share in the fortification of the frontline between Magdeburg and Dessau. Because of him the enemy breakthrough towards the east was prevented.”