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Noak, Karl-Heinz

Date of birth:
July 30th, 1916 (Berlin/Prussia, Germany)
Date of death:
November 14th, 1978 (Koblenz/Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
November 6th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 26th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
Zugführer 2. / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 46 / 44. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:
August 5th, 1940
The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Noak received the Knight’s Cross…

“Leutnant Noak’s extraordinary bravery and prudent battlefield disposition were crucial factors that enabled the creation of a bridgehead across the Loire river at Beaugenci using the still intact bridge located there. This achievement was of decisive importance for the fighting on the southern bank. In this battle Noak fought forwards with his Pak gun metre by metre across the bridge, all while under the heaviest of fire. Upon reaching the opposite bank he immediately launched a bold thrust with the help of a strong patrol unit. In the course of this attack a bitterly defending French company was taken captive along with numerous MGs, anti-tank guns and even a field gun.”

This action took place in the time period 17-18.06.1940.

147th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 20th, 1941

95th Award.
Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
Chef 1. / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 137 / 137. Infanterie-Division / IX.Armee-Korps / 2.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte
Awarded on:
January 16th, 1942
On the 26-27.06.1941 the 137. Infanterie-Division began its push through the thick forests near Bialowic. In this sector only one retreat road was available to the Soviets. Oberleutnant Noak, commanding the lead Kompanie of Pionier-Bataillon 137 reinforced with some troops from the Infanterie-Regiment 448, was tasked with moving north and blocking this road. However the Germans had made a mistake with their force positioning, and Noak’s Kompanie would end up facing the retreating Soviets alone. Recalling it was no longer possible. Even so, it stood as a lone wave breaker among the flow of retreating Soviet troops, during a battle in which Noak demonstrating outstanding leadership. For this action he would be decorated with the Oakleaves.

63rd Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 654
Awarded on:
January 6th, 1945
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

Award 675/60

Sources

Photo