Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant der Reserve (Wing Commander)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 500, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

July 16th, 1942

According to other source the awarding date is 22-7-1942.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant der Reserve (Wing Commander)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 500, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

October 19th, 1942

According to other source the awarding date is 13-10-1942.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant der Reserve (Wing Commander)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 500, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

March 14th, 1943

Beckmann’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Oberstleutnant Beckmann began his active operational service on the frontline right from the beginning of the war. During September 1939, whilst serving as an observer with the 3./Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 2, he participated in the resupply operations to the encircled friendly Panzer formations near Brest-Litovsk (Poland). These were conducted in order to ensure the continued operational capabilities of these units.

Later, during the Norwegian campaign in April 1940, he served as Lufttransportführer Oslo and in this capacity he was decisively involved in the successful conclusion of hostilities. His prudent leadership and organizational talents ensured that the operation’s execution was smooth and orderly.

In early 1941 he served as Lufttransportführer Afrika, and was once again involved in the operations of the transport formations here until being wounded by a bomb splinter on the 07.04.1941.

He took over command of Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 500 starting on the 10.12.1941. Thanks to his prudent leadership and combat abilities the Gruppe was able to perform with distinction. Within the span of just 1 year the unit flew 10000 operations in Africa and Russia. The commander particularly distinguished himself during the difficult operations to resupply Fortress Demyansk (which were bitterly contested by the enemy). Here he personally flew in 193 operations to the pocket and thereby inspired his crews to achieve a very high standard of bravery and merit through his own example. In this time Oberstleutnant Beckmann managed to swiftly grasp the changes in the tactical situation that took place between each and every sortie, and using this information he was always able to effectively determine the most favourable flight routes that resulted in the attainment of success for minimal friendly losses. This battle-deciding devotion to duty ensured the viability of the resupply operations to the encircled II. Armee-Korps. He was thus awarded the German Cross in Gold.

He would go on to distinguish himself during the emergency operations to resupply the garrison at Stalingrad. Here he demonstrated great soldierly spirit, participating in a number of the most difficult sorties despite the brutally cold and icy weather conditions. Inspired by his unceasing devotion to duty, his Gruppe followed him into battle with complete and utter faith. The successes that the unit achieved under the circumstances can only be attributed to the extraordinary influence of its commander.

I thus believe him to be worthy of the award of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross for his exemplary devotion to duty.

Breakdown of Individual Sortie Involvement:

- 8 sorties (counted as 8 front flights) in Poland.
- 16 sorties (counted as 16 front flights) in Africa.
- 193 sorties (counted as 216 front flights) in Russia at Demyansk.
- 4 sorties (counted as 12 front flights) in Russia at Stalingrad.

Total of 219 sorties (counted as 252 front flights).”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 9th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 25th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 7th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)