Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 424, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

January 31st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 424, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 23rd, 1944

On the 19.01.1944 the 126. Infanterie-Division was attempting to escape the clutches of the swiftly advancing Soviet forces. On this day one of its constituent units, namely Grenadier-Regiment 424 commanded by Oberstleutnant Cappel, came across enemy forces that had unexpectedly occupied the village of Mucholowo (located on the Division’s retreat route). Cappel realized that this incursion endangered the retreat of both his Regiment as well as the entire Division. In response he declined the easier option to bypass the village at night and instead decided to seize the village from the enemy in order to tie them down and prevent them from advancing further westwards.

In the ensuing urban combat the approximately regimental-sized enemy force was ejected, and with this the Division’s escape route was reopened. Grenadier-Regiment 424 was also heavily involved in the Division’s final breakout that night. Setting out from the area south of Kozelewo, the Division launched its assault across a very narrow front in the direction of Telesi. By daybreak on the following day the Division stood south of the Krassnoje Sselo—Kipen road, having escaped the Soviet encirclement ring.

Oberstleutnant Cappel was subsequently awarded the Knight’s Cross for his role in facilitating the Division’s successful withdrawal at this time.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 12th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 7th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 424, 126. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 16th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 13th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 4th, 1939