- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Obergefreiter (Corporal)
- Unit:
- Stoßtruppführer, 6. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 399, 170. Infanterie-Division, Heer
- Awarded on:
- May 10th, 1943
The following newspaper article (dated 21.05.1943) describes why Kostka received the Knight’s Cross…
“During the fighting near Leningrad Obergefreiter Kostka formed a resistance nest with 2 comrades, and from this position he prevented a further advance by the Soviets.”
This action took place around Ssablino at the end of February 1943. Here the Soviets managed to achieve a penetration about 2 km deep, and constantly poured reinforcements into this. The Germans were eventually able to contain the bridgehead in a large part thanks to the efforts of Obergefreiter Kostka. It is stated elsewhere that he fought as a sniper from a tree, and in this role he was able to achieve notable success in the difficult terrain.