Harald Riipalu
| Harald Riipalu | |
|---|---|
Harald Riipalu in 1944
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| Born | 13 February 1912 |
| Died | 4 April 1961 (aged 49) |
| Allegiance | Estonia, Soviet Union, Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch |
Estonian Army Red Army Wehrmacht Waffen-SS |
| Years of service | 1935–45 |
| Rank | Obersturmbannführer |
| Unit | 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian) |
| Commands held | 36th Estonian Police Battalion |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Eastern Front |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Harald Riipalu (born as Harald Reibach) (13 February 1912 – 4 April 1961) was an Estonian commander in the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Riipalu served with the 36th Estonian Police Battalion that participated in the murder of Jews in Belarus in 1942.
After the Soviet occupation of Estonia in 1940, Riipalu was forcibly mobilized into the Soviet Army 22nd Territorial Corps, serving until 1941, at which time he defected to the German side.
From 1942 to 1943 Riipalu was a platoon leader and company commander of the 36th Estonian Police Battalion, and became commander of the battalion in November 1942. The battalion participated in the murder of Jews in Novogrudok, Belarus in August 1942. The battalion's report under Riipalu's signature confirms his presence in Novogrudok during the killing operations.
From 1943 to 1945, he served in the 3rd SS-Brigade and the 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS. He was the Commander of the 45th SS-Grenadier Regiment from April 1944. On 23 August 1944 he was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions in the Battle of Tannenberg Line and in the Battle of Auvere where Riipalu and his regiment drove back the assault of the Soviet Army, which prevented the encirclement of Army Group Narva. The award was presented to him by Felix Steiner, the commander of III SS Panzer Corps.
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