Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Pionier-Bataillon 31, 31. Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

January 7th, 1944

Following the German evacuation of Gomel on the 26.11.1943, Soviet troops infiltrated into the forested Beresina-Dnieper triangle. The Germans tried to clear them out but the Soviets beat them to the chase, moving in a Guards Tank Corps and sending it on a 20 km advance towards the northwest. On the 28.11.1943 the Soviets took the village of Paporotnoje, threatening to achieve a full operational breakthrough that could have disastrous consequences for the whole Armee.

In response the Germans dispatched whatever troops could be mustered, including the Pionier-Bataillon 31 under the command of Hauptmann Kalbitz, to the area and after a bitter fight the enemy intentions were checked. For his role in securing this result Kalbitz would receive the Oakleaves to his Knight’s Cross.

366th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 1./Pionier-Bataillon 125

Awarded on:

September 7th, 1943

On the 25.07.1941 the 2./Infanterie-Regiment 420 began an attack against the southern part of Gaissin at 05:00 with the support of a Sturmgeschütz. However the assault soon bogged down in the strong enemy defense. In response Oberleutnant Kalbitz decided to join the battle on his own initiative with his Kompanie, which was stationed outside the city. Under the cover of effective artillery support, he and his Pionieren crossed the mostly destroyed bridge over the Ssod river and penetrated into the western part of the city in a bold advance. In a bitter house to house battle they were able to make it as far as the eastern edge of the city. The Division was quick to reinforce this unexpected success, and by the evening of the next day Gaissin was in the hands of the 125. Infanterie-Division.

Oberleutnant Kalbitz would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross for his role in bringing about this victory.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 10th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 7th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 28th, 1943