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Kaminsky, Emil

Date of birth:
October 9th, 1917 (Querfurt/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
July 5th, 1944 (Babruysk/Belarus, soviet Union)
Nationality:
German

Biography

Emil Kaminsky was reported missing in action on July 5th 1944. At that moment he held the rank of Oberfeldwebel. Sources give his place of missing as Baruysk in Belarus. The Volksbund gives as location of missing 30 km northwest of the Belarus town of Stowbtsy (Stolpe).

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 23rd, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
January 15th, 1942
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)
Unit:
Zugführer, 2. Kompanie, I. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 446, 134. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
October 15th, 1942
On the 12.08.1942, in the Shisdra area (north of Orel), Oberfeldwebel Kaminsky and his Zug stormed a heavily fortified factory that threatened the flank of the German attack nearby. By this he contributed significantly to the German victory on this day, namely the capture of Krapiwna.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)
Unit:
I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 446, 134. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
June 12th, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
On the 21.01.1944, in the heavy wood/swamplands between the Pripet and Beresina rivers, the Soviets managed to break through to the command post of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 446 south of Paritschi. Oberfeldwebel Kaminsky, the acting battalion adjutant, organized a counterattack against the tenfold superior enemy and managed to push them back in an incredible feat of arms.

Following this action Kaminsky and a handful of volunteers covered the retreat of his Bataillon from the area. With his MG he held his position for a long time against attacking Soviet armour until he in turn could withdraw under the protection of friendly Sturmgeschütze.

He would be decorated with the Oakleaves for his actions here.

497th Award.

Sources

Photo