Karl Kreutz – SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 2 “Das Reich” (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of  Karl Kreutz. SS-Standartenführer Karl Kreutz (20.09.1909 † 27.07.1997) earned the Ritterkreuz on August 27, 1944 as SS-Standartenführer und Kommandeur of the SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 2 “Das Reich” and the Eichenlaub on May 6, 1945 as SS-Standartenführer und Kommandeur of the SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 2 “Das Reich” of the 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”.

Eichenlaub: Awarded for further distinguishing himself in the Ardennes, Hungary and around Vienna (the latter in particular). In Vienna his guns took up firing positions at an important crossroads in order to directly fire upon the Soviet breakthrough attempts. During the withdrawal of the Division the Artillerie-Regiment formed the rearguard (a likely unique case). Kreutz would be recognized for the military achievements of his Regiment during these engagements. (Source: Traces of War)