Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, I. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 503, 290. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 27th, 1942

The following wartime excerpt describes why Becker was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Leutnant Becker conducted a brave and tough defense of the small strongpoint of Pustynka, located amongst wood and swamp, against continual attacks by far superior enemy forces. By doing so he prevented the enemy from completely breaching a large gap between the 30. and 290. Divisionen, tied down significant hostile forces and enabled the 290. Infanterie-Division to establish a new defensive flank just in time and thereby intercept the breakthrough by two enemy divisions.”

Here follows another excerpt that provides additional detail as to these actions. It is probable that is from a newspaper article…

“The Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz Becker, Kompanie commander in an Infanterie-Regiment.

Oberleutnant Karl Heinz Becker has repeatedly distinguished himself as a patrol leader from the very start of the Eastern campaign, and has also proved himself to be a capable Kompanie commander from September 1941 onwards. At the end of January he and his relatively minor forces heroically defended a strongpoint that had been encircled by two enemy regiments. His exemplary devotion to duty empowered his combat-weary soldiers to display an iron will to resist. Oberleutnant Becker actively participated in close combat at the most threatened locations as a shining model of boldness and daredevilry. He repeatedly succeeded in capturing or killing those Bolshevik troops that temporarily broke into the defensive position. Having never failed to live up to his soldierly duties, Oberleutnant Becker died a hero’s death at another section of the front on the 08.02.1943.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)