Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Kommandeur Sicherungs-Bataillon 738 / 134. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

March 26th, 1944

Awarded for his actions while his unit was attached to Kampfgruppe Klasing (itself a part of the 134. Infanterie-Division) during the combat in early 1944 along the line Mysloff Rog—Kobyschtschina—Welikije Bor. At the time Kampfgruppe Klasing was deployed along the Division’s right wing. At some point during the fighting the Soviets managed to achieve a penetration along the thinly spread frontline of the Bataillon. In response Major Behne commenced a counterattack with two squads of Pionieren and a few men from his Bataillon staff. Even though he was significantly outnumbered he nonetheless managed to bring the Soviet onslaught to a halt following bitter combat. By doing so he gave newly arrived reserve forces the chance to create a new defensive front.