Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (Flying Officer)

Unit:

Flugzeugführer, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 500, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

December 23rd, 1942

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

“Oberleutnant Belz has exhibited a true hero’s spirit during the operation to resupply Stalingrad, one which continues to bring about heavy losses. He has flown more operations than any other pilot in his Staffel, and his exceptional flying abilities have enabled him to complete missions to Stalingrad despite the presence of extremely difficult weather conditions. This fearless display of duty has inspired the crews of both his Staffel as well as the Gruppe at large. He has braved both anti-aircraft gun barrages as well as hostile fighter attack, all while never losing his calm confidence and unshakeable determination. He has remained the victor in both day and night operations against the enemy, icy conditions and horrible weather. This is creditable to the fact that he embodies a true soldierly disposition by never thinking of himself, but instead only the mission at hand. Oberleutnant Belz has rendered distinguished service himself while simultaneously giving courage to those who would otherwise have fled. His personal achievements are quantifiable. The effects of his inspiring conduct for the effectiveness of his Gruppe are, by contrast, incalculable.

The Gruppe therefore requests that this exemplary officer be awarded the Knight’s Cross in recognition of his unparalleled achievements as both a pilot and soldier.”

By this time Belz had flown a total of 140 sorties (including 12 to the Stalingrad pocket), counted as 204 front flights.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (Flying Officer)

Unit:

Staffelkapitän

Awarded on:

January 11th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 3rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 1st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 1st, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 29th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 10th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)