Ritterkreuz Action of Martin Eder

Martin Eder (22 December 1902 - 6 April 1983) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 November 1940 as Hauptmann and Führer I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 481 / 256.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Eder would be awarded the Ritterkreuz: "On 26 May 1940, during the fighting for the Lys Canal (near Ecclee), Hauptmann Eder took up the leadership of the battle on his own initiative. He forced a crossing over the canal with his Kompanie and penetrated to a depth of 4 km into the enemy positions. He then held this position against violent enemy counterattacks, and in doing so enabled his Regiment to thrust through the forest positions near Cleith on the following day. This in turn led to the capitulation of the Belgian army on 28 May 1940."

The following press article provides some additional comments on this action: "Hauptmann Eder already outstandingly distinguished himself during the breakthrough of the Peel position near Mill. Here he placed himself at the head of his assault units and captured four bunkers that were flanking the anti-tank ditch all on his own. Later, at the Lys canal, he forced a crossing over the canal at the head of his Kompanie and penetrated 4 km deep into the enemy position. This action enabled the Regiment to launch its own thrust near Cleith, which led to the capitulation of the Belgian army. Hauptmann Eder also forced the canal crossing near Nieuport, held his position against tank-led counterattacks and thereby established the preconditions for the destruction of the Royal Fusileers and the capture of a substantial amount of British war materiel that would otherwise have been shipped to England."

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2380019#p2380019
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/3878/Eder-Martin.htm