Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Zugführer 1./Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 276

Awarded on:

January 29th, 1944

Awarded in recognition of his contributions during the fighting of his Abteilung near Korosten during November/December 1943. He distinguished himself on the night of 12-13.11.1943, when the Kampfgruppe Vogelsang (consisting of Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 276 and parts of the 291. Infanterie-Division) found itself encircled behind Soviet lines. On this night, with the Sturmgeschütze providing invaluable support, it managed to break out and cover the 35 km trek back to German lines. Nippes and his platoon also assisted during the recapture of Korosten during the time period 24-26.11.1943, during which the bulk of the Soviet 226th Rifle Division was destroyed.

On 10.12.1943, in a fierce battle with Soviet tanks, Nippes was himself killed after knocking out a number of enemy vehicles. His final total of tanks destroyed would stand at 17.

Awarded posthumously.