Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (Flying Officer)

Unit:

Staffelkapitän

Awarded on:

February 9th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Flight Lieutenant)

Unit:

1. Staffel, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 500, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

May 21st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Flight Lieutenant)

Unit:

Staffelführer, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 500, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

March 24th, 1943

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

“Hauptmann Benz and his Staffel have achieved decisive results during operations in Norway, Greece, Corinth, Crete, Africa, Demyansk and Stalingrad. During this time he served as both Staffelkapitän and temporary acting Gruppe commander, and was himself involved in 300 combat missions (counted as 388 [sic] front flights), most of which were carried out under difficult circumstances. The significant accomplishments of his Staffel thus far are attributable to his outstanding readiness for duty and fearlessness in combat.

In Norway he was responsible for the resupply of both Kampfgruppe Dietl and Kampfgruppe Feuerstein. These aerial resupply missions had to run a gauntlet of fire from both enemy ships and ground formations, however under his personal direction they were largely successful. Such a result was an invaluable factor that enabled our troops to continue their heroic defensive battle at Narvik.

During the Fallschirmjäger mission to Corinth he likewise led his Staffel with competence, and it delivered a Fallschirmjäger Kompanie to the important railway bridge over the Corinth Canal. A few hours later his entire Staffel landed at the Corinth airfield and unloaded air-landing troops upon arrival. These reinforcements played an important role in the continued successful operations in the Peloponnese.

He again led his Staffel successfully during the Cretan Operation. Its first Fallschirmjäger delivery missions contributed significantly to our forces’ capture of the Kania power-plant. During subsequent operations that involved the dropping of Fallschirmjäger amidst heavy AA fire, he helped contribute to the capture of Maleme airfield. After this he landed at this same location at the head of his Staffel, all while under heavy enemy mortar fire. His prudence and calm here was exceptional.

He demonstrated the same tireless readiness for duty during operations in Africa, specifically in the Mamarika.

During the subsequent operations at Demyansk he once again proved himself to be a fearless and ruthless pilot. This is all the more noteworthy when one considers that these missions involved braving flights over 100 km of enemy territory, and against strong AA and fighter defenses no less. Yet, by doing just this he provided an inspiring example for his men.

The achievements of his Staffel in both Africa and the Demyansk area during the time period 12.12.1941-31.10.1942 would not have been possible without his leadership. And at Demyansk in particular, the results that were achieved decisively contributed to the ability of II. Armee-Korps to stand firm. In this area of operations, over the course of 3005 front flights, the Staffel flew in 3244 soldiers as well as 4242 tons of ammunitions, food and other assorted war materiel to the encircled troops. 7657 wounded and soldiers were also flown out.

Under his leadership the Staffel was very quick to nock up outstanding success during the difficult resupply operations to Fortress Stalingrad.

Hauptmann Benz and the men of his Staffel have rendered distinguished service during all of their operations with the Kampfgruppe z.b.V. Throughout this time he [Benz] has proven himself to be a tirelessly dutiful soldier that is also able to produce decisive results in action due to his skill and bravery. His personal combat record (amounting to 391 front flights) is thus worthy of the highest recognition.

Norway = 9 missions (12 front flights)
Narvik = 7 missions (15 front flights)
Greece = 12 missions (17 front flights)
Crete = 29 missions (42 front flights)
Africa = 13 missions (19 front flights)
Russia/Demyansk = 237 missions (274 front flights)
Russia/Fortress Stalingrad = 3 missions (9 front flights)

Total = 310 missions (391 front flights).”

96 of these combat missions (Feindeinsätze) were flown after Benz was awarded the German Cross in Gold.