Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kompaniechef Infanterie-Regiment 156 (motorisiert)

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1942

The following report by Generalleutnant Henrici, commander of the 16. Infanterie-Division (mot), describes the action by which Knoespel would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“On account of his repeatedly demonstrated bravery before the enemy in earlier battles, on the 01.01.1942 he was appointed to command the Yegarevka strongpoint, which protruded into enemy territory. It was thought that only his powerful personality would be able to prevent this strongpoint from falling into enemy hands and turn its garrison of Kompanien hailing from a number of different formations into a unit that could withstand the strong enemy tank-supported assaults.

In the almost hopeless situation, he succeeded in using his personal influence to restore the will to resist among the already despondent fighting troops and strengthen the defensive power of the strongpoint with clear organization. Because of this it was possible to defeat the strong enemy attacks on the 02.01.1942 that were known to be launched by an enemy force with a strength of more than 2 regiments as well as numerous tanks. Despite being exhausted by the non-stop fighting, his men were able to break all enemy advances.

Surrounded on three sides, he held this decisive cornerstone in the Division’s front despite the almost hopeless situation, made worse by the heavy combat losses and also casualties sustained from prolonged exposure to temperatures below -30 degrees. Under his personal leadership in the forward line, he was even able to inspire his exhausted soldiers into launching counterattacks in order to ensure that not a foot of ground was lost.

Despite the losses through frost and enemy action, and the seemingly hopeless situation, he alone maintained the will to fight of the strongpoint through his personality, exemplary calm and energy. Sparing himself nothing, he was to be found at every crucial point of the defense. His energy, bravery, and personal intervention for the sake of his men were decisive for the holding of this strongpoint. This in turned contributed heavily towards the holding of the Division’s assigned frontline during the fighting on the 01-03.01.1942.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 2nd, 1941