Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 27th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 4th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Chef, 9. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 89, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

December 31st, 1941

Benzin’s reinforced 9. Kompanie launched an attack against Karnowschtschina on the morning of the 18.10.1941. The unit managed to achieve a surprise seizure of the village’s southern edge under covering fire from a half Zug of machine-guns. With this complete, the heavily fortified western edge of the village was then captured from the rear in bitter combat. 17 bunkers were stormed, and in their confusion the Soviets set off two large electrically detonated mines to the west of their position. A detachment of Soviet reinforcements coming from the east was held up by the now relocated MG half Zug and then crushed in a close-quarter melee.

Benzin and his men then went on to repeat this exercise at the village of Nossowitzy, once again hitting the Soviets in the rear and destroying them. Benzin would subsequently be awarded the Knight’s Cross for his actions on this day.

785th Heer Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Führer, Grenadier-Regiment 89, 12. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 22nd, 1944

Awarded for the achievements of his Regiment during the second winter battle of Vitebsk. In this time he and his men repeatedly prevented the Soviets from achieving a frontline penetration, recording particularly notable success in this regard on the 09. and 10.02.1944. Benzin’s actions during this time were very important for the concluding of this battle in the Germans’ favour.

406th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)