Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Bootsmahnsmaat und Bord-Flak-Führer

Unit:

Marine-Bordflakabteilung Mittelmeer, Kriegsmarine

Awarded on:

February 17th, 1943

The following press article (dated 22.02.1943) describes why Jörß would receive the Knight’s Cross…

“Ship-based Flak of the German Kriegsmarine, deployed on supply transports in the Mediterranean Sea, have until now destroyed 76 enemy aircraft. The tasks of their crews often demanded swift decisions and firm resolve in order to concentrate on hitting the enemy aircraft that were attacking the merchant ships and their valuable cargo. In these kind of engagements even a few minutes may be decisive, and the success of this kind of defense depends mostly on the commanders of a ship’s AA defense as well as those of the individual guns.

During defense against numerous air attacks Karl Jörß has distinguished himself through extraordinary courage, cold-bloodedness and circumspection. His unquestioning devotion to duty also inspired his men to great achievements. Through skillful fire control he has succeeded in defeating all aerial attacks made against him, saving his ships and their cargoes from destruction and achieving a total of 12 confirmed kills. This achievement by Bootsmannsmaat Jörß is all the more impressive when considering the especially difficult conditions in the Mediterranean. He has become the first NCO without a Portepee in the German Kriegsmarine to receive the Knight’s Cross.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 8th, 1943