Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 30th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 10th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

8. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 45, 21. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 8th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

stellvertretender führer, I. Bataillon, Grenadier-Regiment 45, 21. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 18th, 1945

On the 02.02.1945 the I./Grenadier-Regiment 45 launched an attack via Tolks against Neuendorf (on the Heilsberg—Landsberg road). However they only got as far as Reddenau, where a Soviet force trying to move to the north was halted. Two days later the Bataillon captured Stettinen, Worglitten and Albrechtsdorf. On the 05.02.1945 Albechtsdorf was held against strong enemy attacks. Oberleutnant Kappis would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for his command of the Bataillon during these battles.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, 19. Kompanie, Grenadier-Regiment 45, 21. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

April 28th, 1945

On the 27.03.1945 Oberleutnant Kappis and the remnants of his Bataillon were deployed south of Balga. At 03:00 they received orders to march to the jetties in the town. However upon arrival they found that the regimental commander had fallen and the ships had left.

Seeing this, Kappis rallied the splintered groups (hailing from multiple divisions) in the area and launched an attack that secured a defensive line to the south and west of Balga. Personally leading his men forward, he captured the ruins of a castle in close combat and held it against 5 Soviet attacks. Thereafter he launched a sally through two Soviet defense lines towards Kahlholz. With his 120 men he saved about 400 (mostly wounded) soldiers from annihilation in this place.

Kappis would be awarded the Oakleaves for the sum of these achievements.

Unnumbered award, would have been the 849th award when numbered.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)