Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 3rd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 23rd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Kampfgruppe, Grenadier-Regiment 195, 78. Infanterie-Division, 9. Armee, Heeresgruppe Mitte

Awarded on:

December 10th, 1942

On the 30.11.1942 Hauptmann Kohler and his Kampfgruppe discovered a Soviet force ready to attack southwest of Mal. Kropotowo, identifying 1-2 battalions, 14 T-34s and 2 T-60s. Kohler launched surprise attack on them, and after 20 minutes had managed to eliminate 20 tanks, 7 anti-tank guns, 2 AA guns, 35-40 trucks and a battalion (about 250-300 men). For this act Kohler would receive the Knight’s Cross.

1341st Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

Ordonnanz-Offizier, Kampfgruppe, 9. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

October 4th, 1944

Despite being amputated at the thigh, Kohler returned to frontline service with the 9. Panzer-Division. The Kampfgruppe Sperling had the task of throwing back Allied forces in the Mausbach area who were already in front of the 2nd Westwall line.

On one September day, while reconnoitring the hostile positions, Kohler and his driver managed to escape their vehicle after encountering US infantry at Mausbach. They made their way over the fields to Gressenich, a trek of about 2 km. Here they found a group of 5 Tigers and 70 men. After a tank battle in which 14 enemy tanks were destroyed for the loss of 3 Tigers, Kohler launched an attack against the US infantry in Mausbach after approaching via the Vicht valley. In doing so he was able to firmly secure the 2nd Westwall line and prevent the planned American breakthrough towards Düren. For this act Kohler would receive the Oakleaves.

607th Award.