Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Sergeant)

Unit:

Gruppenführer 1./Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment 1

Awarded on:

August 21st, 1941

Awarded for his actions during the battle of Crete in his Kompanie’s battle to eliminate an AA battery south of Chania, an engagement that is described in the following press article (dated 1941)…

“Feldwebel Wilhelm Kempe had already distinguished himself through exceptional bravery during the operation to take Eben Emael. During the attack on Crete he was deployed as part of a lightning attack against an enemy Flak battery far behind the front. When his Zugführer became a casualty, Kempke (at the time holding the rank of Oberjäger) took over the leadership of his Zug, and with his men he stormed two guns of the enemy battery despite tough resistance by a much superior foe. During the later battles of his Kompanie he again proved to be a model of outstanding bravery and bravado. He was promoted to Feldwebel for his bravery before the enemy.”