- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Generalleutnant (Major-general)
- Unit:
- Kommandeur, 6. Panzer-Division, Heer
- Awarded on:
- June 3rd, 1940
- Awarded for:
- Operation Fall Gelb
The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Kempf received the Knight’s Cross…
“Generalleutnant Werner Kempf had already especially distinguished himself in the Polish campaign as the leader of a Panzer formation. During the great Western offensive he led at the head of his Panzer-Division that, by the end of the first day, had already plunged deep into the enemy. Over the course of a bold advance his Panzer-Division crossed over the Oise River and captured more than 10000 prisoners in just three days of battle. Throughout all this time Generalleutnant Kempf served as the soul of both attack and pursuit, and he did not shy from battle when he was personally in danger. He was promoted to Generalleutnant on the 31.07.1940.”