SS STURMBANNFUHRER JUPP DIEFENTHAL. German officers with years of battle experience on all European fronts during World War II were at the head of every company during the German Ardennes offensive in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. SS Sturmbannfuhrer Jupp Diefenthal's SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment "Leibstandarte" would play one of the most important role within the offensive. Disregarding threats to his flank, he was to use the advantage of surprise to smash into the American rear as quickly as possible. Jupp Diefenthal organized his units in the way that he believed would give him the greatest tactical advantage in employing them. Jupp Diefenthal's Kampfgruppe was assigned to the task of guarding and protecting Peiper's Kampfgruppe spearhead. SS Sturmbannfuhrer Jupp Diefenthal, putting himself at the head of his battalion, organized an offensive framework on which all of the enemy's attacks were shattered, clearing the way for Peiper's Kampfgruppe to advance with lightning speed. Jupp Diefenthal had orchestrated the offensive fire at decisive sectors against the enemy and destroyed the integrity of the American defense, stabilizing the German offensive that succeeded in creating the deepest penetration through the American lines. Further attacks through the bold actions of Jupp Diefenthal's Kampfgruppe were exclusively due to the personal service rendered by this outstanding soldier. Such élan and steadfastness on the part of Diefenthal's company can only be attributed to its rock-solid and exemplary company commander. Jupp Diefenthal was one of the most colorful officers of the Ardennes offensive, which he was recommended for the award of the Knight's Cross for his relentless zeal in this fighting. Jupp Diefenthal was one of the 800+ men of Kampfgruppe Peiper who made it back to their own lines after the breakout from La Gleize on Christmas 1944. For 33 hours they marched behind the American lines, which he proved equal to every situation through his decisive daring and cold-bloodedness, coupled with his outstanding leadership ability. Undetected by the enemy, they marched through trackless, mountainous, forested terrain right through the middle of the American forces under conditions of enormous physical exertion, swimming icy rivers with a raging torrent under rattling machine gun and mortar fire. Incredibly, the 800 trapped men managed to slip under the noses of three American Divisions, unshaken and unbroken. Thanks to Jupp Diefenthal's strong personality, his unshakable will to hold out, and the intact morale and his unbending courage. The operation led by Jupp Diefenthal in the Ardennes offensive was of great importance for the operational success of the entire offensive. As a result, he commanded the elements of the attacking force which penetrated the furthest to the west. For these outstanding military exploits, Jupp Diefenthal was duly awarded the prestigious Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 5 February 1945.
