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Kaminsky, Emil

Date of birth:
October 9th, 1917 (Querfurt, German Empire)
Date of death:
July 5th, 1944 (Babruysk, Belarus)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Oberfeldwebel. Missing in action.

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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./Infanterie-Regiment 446
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. For this act Kaminsky would be awarded the Knight’s Cross.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)
Unit:
I./Grenadier-Regiment 446
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.

No. 497

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