Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef 2./Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 143

Awarded on:

June 13th, 1941

The following press article describes why Jacob would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“On the 18.04.1941 Oberleutnant Jacob crossed the Pinios river with his reinforced Gebirgsjäger-Kompanie. His mission was to get into the rear of the enemy and block the road/railway line Tembi—Larissa. After getting across the river he set up a roadblock at the north entrance of Larissa with a captured truck. He then also destroyed the (still in operation) English telephone lines in the area. During the following night the enemy tried repeatedly to break through to Larissa with their retreating soldiers, however due to the skillful leadership and drive of Oberleutnant Jacob the position remained in German hands. On the following morning the reconnaissance group deployed by Oberleutnant Jacob met with the lead elements of a Panzer division in the city. The action of this officer, who had already proven himself in earlier battles, was of crucial importance for the subsequent fighting.”