Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier

Unit:

Kompanietruppführer 1./Fallschirm-Panzier-Pionier-Bataillon 2 "Hermann Göring"

Awarded on:

February 7th, 1945

On the 18.01.1945, during the heavy defensive battles in East Prussia, the Soviets succeeded in breaking through the frontline at Gumbinnen. The next day the 1./Fallschirm-Panzerpionier-Bataillon 2 “Hermann Göring”, at its establishment strength of 140 men, was ordered out of reserve and dispatched for a counterattack near Gut Ernstberg. In a vicious battle, which claimed high losses on both sides, the Pionieren were able to evict the Soviets and retake their old positions. Köpsell, one of the 25 survivors of this counterattack, was awarded the Knight’s Cross for the key role he played in securing this hard-won victory.