Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 22nd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 12th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 12th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sonderführer (Leutnant zur See)

Unit:

Kommandant Hilfskriegsschiffes "Passim" / OKW / Amt Auslandabwehr

Awarded on:

November 9th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant zur See (Sub-lieutenant)

Unit:

Kommandant Hilfskriegsschiff "Passim"

Awarded on:

November 1st, 1944

According to an evaluation document dated 26.06.1944, Leutnant zur See Garbers was recommended for the Knight’s Cross due to the following reasons…

“As captain of a 35 tonne motorized sailing vessel, Garbers conducted three special operations on the high seas assigned by the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, and is currently moving to friendly waters following his fourth such operation. Due to his bravery before the enemy he was decorated with both classes of Iron Cross, the German Cross in Gold and the Blockade Runner Badge, and was furthermore promoted from Matrosengefreiter to Steuermann der Reserve. Garbers has been submitted for the award of the Knight’s Cross and a promotion to Leutnant zur See der Reserve.

Garbers has demonstrated outstanding seamanship during his operations. Particularly noteworthy is that, with his small ship, he has sailed a total of 53415 knots over the course of 545 days through areas of ocean controlled by enemy naval and air forces. In all this time he demonstrated exemplary camaraderie and discipline. Garbers is personally a modest, rather quiet man, yet also purposeful and a model in every way for all his comrades.”