Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 8. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Lehr-Regiment "Brandenburg" z.b.V. 800, Heer

Awarded on:

July 12th, 1941

posthumously awarded

57th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 8. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Lehr-Regiment "Brandenburg" z.b.V. 800, Heer

Awarded on:

November 3rd, 1942

Awarded for his role in taking the big road bridge over the Dvina river near Dvinsk on the 26.06.1941. At dawn on that day Oberleutnant Knaak and his platoon of Brandenburgers approached the bridge in three captured Soviet trucks. The one furthest ahead made it across untouched, but the others were fired upon before they could reach this point. The second truck had to disgorge its troops while still on the middle of the bridge, they took heavy losses but were able to make it to the other side and link up with Knaak and the rest of his men.

Despite the heavy enemy fire this small unit was able to hold out on the other side of the river and prevent the demolition of the bridge until being relieved by the foremost elements of the 8. Panzer-Division. But it had come at heavy cost, as almost all the Brandenburgers in this party were either killed or wounded, including Knaak himself.

For capturing this bridge, which was of decisive importance for the continued advance of the 8. Panzer-Division, and paying the ultimate sacrifice in the process, Knaak would be awarded the Knight’s Cross subsequently.

Awarded posthumously.