Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberst (Colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur Pionier Landungs-Regiment Stab (mot) 770

Awarded on:

August 4th, 1943

Starting in early 1943 Oberst Henke was appointed as the tactical commander of all Heer and Kriegsmarine units tasked with resupplying the Kuban bridgehead via the Kerch strait. Despite the hardships associated with the task, including very difficult weather and seagoing conditions, the Germans managed to pull off a successful logistics operation here throughout the existence of the bridgehead. This was in no small part due to the tireless action, organizational talent and diplomatic flair (inter-service rivalry was rife during the operation) of Oberst Henke, who would be presented with the Knight’s Cross for his contributions here.