- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Major
- Unit:
- Kommandeur I. / Grenadier-Regiment 290 / 98.Infanterie-Division
- Awarded on:
- April 2nd, 1943
Beck’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…
“On the 20.03.1943 the Grenadier-Regiment 290 launched a counterattack against the village of Djuki (southwest of Vyazma) and the positions to the north of the village. The unit was opposed by a bitterly defending enemy force that had about 1500 men and 20 tanks. Following the loss of all his Kompanie commanders, Major Beck would fight at the spearhead of the Bataillon while escorted by the officers of his staff, and he would be the first to reach the old frontline following hours of bitter melee and bunker combat. In the process he was badly wounded.
The recapture of Djuki and the old frontline was decisive for the continued conduct of battle by the Division. The enemy lost a total of 750 dead along with large numbers of MGs, mortars and rifles in the sector of the Bataillon. This outstanding, brave and decisive deed constitutes the most recent link in an unbroken chain of brave actions during this war.”