Kurt Gierga (3 March 1909 - 25 June 1961) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 30 June 1941 as Hauptmann and Chef 5.Kompanie / II.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 5 / 5.leichte Afrika-Division. The recommendation was submitted on 18 June 1941, while the preliminary document and decoration were sent to the Afrikakorps on 2 July 1941. The following justification was given for Gierga’s receiving the Ritterkreuz: "On 16 June 1941 Hauptmann Gierga attacked a large number of heavily armoured English tanks on his own initiative after reaching his ordered attack objective, even though his Panzer-Kompanie was almost out of ammunition and exposed to the strongest enemy fire. All but one of the superior enemy tanks were destroyed at extremely close range with the last available shells. Through this outstanding leadership of the Kompanie, the tank battle at Sollum took a particularly favourable turn." According to the communications officer of the II.Bataillon / Panzer-Regiment 5, Hauptmann Gierga rammed his command tank (armed with just a wooden gun!) into a Matilda Mark II. tank that was towing another one, and thereafter was able to capture both tanks with their crews (8 men) prisoner.
Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/5085/Gierga-Kurt.htm
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