Ehrenpokal - Feldwebel Theodor Kebekus

[JamesT]

Good day folks

I'm trying to find out about the circumstances of the award of an ehrenpkal to Feldwebel Theodor Kebekus. Is there a database of winners and the actions that resulted in the award?

Many thanks

James

[hellracer1]

I found only this Information about Feldwebel Theodor Kebekus

DEUTSCHES KREUZ IN GOLD
Rank: Feldwebel
Unit: 5./Kampf-Geschwader 76
Awarded on: May 27th, 1942

[Tim O.]

Good day folks

I'm trying to find out about the circumstances of the award of an ehrenpkal to Feldwebel Theodor Kebekus. Is there a database of winners and the actions that resulted in the award?

Many thanks

James

Hi James

The Pokal was usually awarded for ongoing courageous service. Remember that when it was created there were no flight clasps and no German Cross in Gold. This left a huge gulf between the Iron Cross 1st Class and Knight's Cross. The Pokal could only be awarded after receipt of the Iron Cross 1st Class and reputedly was highly valued by those who received it. It was a private award from Goering to try and reward those who had the EK 1 and kept performing but could not justify award of the RK.

I therefore suspect you will not find one event that led to this award being granted but rather several brave acts or continuing effective front line service.

There are published lists of recipients, taken from surviving German records, but these are notoriously incomplete. Your man is listed as receiving the award 9th March 1942 (and was a Feldwebel air gunner). Many never got the Goblet itself but just a certificate. The date suggests your man could have got an Alpaka version or the 835 silver version, as the change was happening about then, if he received it. Klaus Patzwall is one author who published the list - you can buy the book for a reasonable price.

Best wishes
Tim O

[JamesT]

Hi Folks

Tim and Hellraiser - many thanks for your comments. This pokal is in 835 silver and it is dated 9 March 1942.
So he became a DKIG winner too a couple of months later that is very interesting indeed.

I found this about 5./Kampf-Geschwader 76. From June 1941 KG 76 supported Army Group North in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. It remained on the Eastern Front until December 1942 and never returned.

I wonder what it is worth?

Thanks for your help

James

[steiner99]

Do you have some picture of the goblet?

[JamesT]

Should have them in a week or so.