Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier

Unit:

Zugführer, Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 "Hermann Göring", Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1 "Hermann Göring", Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

March 26th, 1945

Probst’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Unteroffizier Probst has especially distinguished himself on account of the dutifulness and bravery he demonstrated whilst leading a Panzergrenadier Zug during the positional warfare around Hochfließ.

On the 15.01.1945 the Bolsheviks attacked with extremely powerful forces, however Probst was able to repulse 3 attacks (each launched with 2 companies) in a massive expenditure of effort. The enemy then launched another 3 attacks, and thanks to their great superiority they were able to capture the road junction on the right boundary of Probst’s sector every time. However on each occasion Probst was able to throw them back via immediate counterthrusts. Then, after the 7th enemy attack, he launched a furious counterthrust with his handful of remaining troops, throwing the Russians back more than 200 metres beyond the road whilst also inflicting bloody losses upon them.

Later, during the morning of the 17.01.1945, the enemy attacked in battalion strength and repeatedly tried to force a breakthrough across the Grünweiden—Hochfließ road. However Probst stood as a shining example of calm and ruthlessness, and thanks to this he was able to repulse all attacks with just 10 men and 2 MGs. When the Russians managed to achieve a penetration 300 metres to the right of his sector with 60 men, Probst led a counterthrust with 6 men and managed to eject the Russians from the trenches in close combat. The Russians then launched a renewed attack with 2 companies, but Probst was able to bloodily repulse them in a brutal battle despite having only 4 men and 1 MG left. He only pulled back as per his orders after he had been badly wounded.”

Decoration awarded by OB Süd General Westphal.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 12th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 7th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1944