Harald Riipalu
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| Harald Riipalu | |
|---|---|
| February 13, 1912 – April 4, 1961 | |
| Place of birth | St. Petersburg, Russia |
| Place of death | Heckmondwike |
| Allegiance | Estonia |
| Years of service | 1935–1945 |
| Rank | Obersturmbannführer |
| Unit | 1935, Narva Territorial Regiment 1940, Tartu Territorial Regiment 1941, Red Army 22nd Territorial Corps 1942, Wehrmacht 36th Defence Battalion 1944, 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian) |
| Battles/wars | World War II -- Eastern Front |
| Awards | Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class Infantry Assault Badge Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Harald Riipalu (born 13 February 1912, St. Petersburg - died 4 April 1961, Heckmondwike, Great Britain) was an Estonian military commander.
Studied at the Faculty of Law of the University of Tartu between 1932-33. Graduated from the Military Academy in 1935. Served in Narva, then assigned in January 1940 to the Defence League Tartu Territorial Regiment as a junior instructor.
Between 1940-41 served in the Red Army 22nd Territorial Corps. Defected to the German side in the summer of 1941 and was a prisoner of war of the Germans until March 1942. 1942-43 platoon leader and company commander of the 36th Defence Battalion, battalion commander from November 1942. 1943-45 served in the 3rd Estonian SS-Brigade and the 20th Estonian Division of the SS. Commander of the 45th SS-Grenadier Regiment from April 1944. Decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for battles at the Narva Front.
Went to England in 1948.
[edit] Awards
- Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (23 August 1944)
[edit] References
- Harald Riipalu @ das-ritterkreuz.de
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas, 2000. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
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