- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Generalmajor (Brigadier)
- Unit:
- Kommandeur 44.Infanterie-Division
- Awarded on:
- September 10th, 1942
On the 22.06.1942 the 44. Infanterie-Division was ordered to open a path through the Soviet defenses towards Kupjansk (on the Oskol river) for Mackensen’s Panzer-Korps. Under Deboi’s masterful leadership the Division succeeded in breaking through the Soviet position to a depth of 8 km a mere four hours after the start of the attack, and by doing so a way was opened up for the Panzer-Korps to commence a relentless pursuit battle all the way to the Don river. Deboi would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for executing such a successful assault.