Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 2nd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 14th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Führer, 2. Kompanie, I. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment 1, SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler", Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

March 28th, 1943

Beck’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“SS-Obersturmführer Beck, a highly distinguished officer who has participated in all campaigns of the LSSAH and recently been recommended for the German Cross in Gold, has had a decisive share in the operations of the LSSAH. He constantly led the point Kompanie as the Kampfgruppe carried out its mission of providing an elastic defense on the Division’s right flank. Over the course of 19 battle days he and his Kompanie destroyed:

7 guns (12.2 cm)
59 guns (7.62 cm long)
14 guns (7.62 cm short)
43 anti-tank guns (4.5 cm)
A large number of mortars, anti-tank rifles, heavy machine-guns, light machine-guns, trucks and sleighs.
Out of a total of 9 hitherto destroyed T-34s, Beck personally destroyed 3 with his Panzer.

Throughout this time he was personally knocked out 3 times and wounded twice. Despite his notable injuries (major splinter and burn wounds) he continued to lead his Kompanie from other Panzers, and during the attack on Walki he had a decisive share in the successes of the Kampfgruppe through his personal boldness and ever more impressive levels of daredevilry. The successes here enabled the Division to break through towards Ljobotin, Kommuna and ultimately Kharkov itself.

While prosecuting the attack on Kharkov his bravery was essential in enabling the Panzers to launch a decisive thrust against the city’s edge from the northeast after overcoming very challenging road conditions. 8 T-34s were destroyed in the process.

Beck went on to show his usual courage and daredevilry during the subsequent urban combat. Despite ongoing difficulties caused by his wounds he went on to engage several T-34 tanks, destroying 2 of them. His superior leadership and personal bravery were the main factors that allowed the Kampfgruppe to swiftly thrust through to the bridge and block the enemy’s retreat road to the east. He personally established contact with Peiper’s Bataillon while leading at the spearhead with his Panzer. I hold Beck as worthy for this honourable award on the grounds of his exemplary bravery, outstanding leadership qualities and high personal virtues.”

Submitted on March 26th 1943.
Preliminary document and decoration on April 3rd 1943 to Heeresgruppe Süd.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 21st, 1942

in silver

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 15th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 10th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 20th, 1942