Gerhard Peter (12 February 1915 - 4 June 1998) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 November 1941 as Oberleutnant and Chef 3.Kompanie / Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 16 / 16.Panzer-Division. During the heavy fighting around Nikolajew in the time period 13-17 August 1941, Oberleutnant Peter proved to be a most capable officer. He held the south flank of the Division against strong Soviet attacks, achieved great success in counterattacking those Soviet columns that did break through and participated in the advance of the Panzer-Regiment that resulted in the capture of this important port city. On 30 September 1941 he led an energetic attack with an armoured train from Nowomoskowsk towards the east. Here, despite having left most of the friendly riflemen behind, he managed to occupy the Miskowo train station after a hard fight and then prevented the approach of an enemy armoured train with a timely railway demolition. For these actions he would receive the Ritterkreuz.
Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/84453/Peter-Gerhard-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon-16.htm
