Cross of Honor for Bravery: Distinguished command soldiers

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius awarded two soldiers from the Special Forces Command (KSK) the Cross of Honor of the Bundeswehr for Bravery on Tuesday. The Cross of Honor for Bravery is the highest military award of the Bundeswehr.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius awarded Lieutenant Colonel S. and Chief Master Sergeant F. the Cross of Honor for Bravery at the Ministry of Defense.

During a highly dangerous raid operation in northern Afghanistan in October 2012, they significantly contributed to the success of the mission at the risk of their own lives.

Lieutenant Colonel S.:

"Exemplary leadership from the front"

As a captain on October 12, 2012, S. was the leader of the German special forces and all assigned German and Afghan forces. Even while in direct combat, S. took over the command of the Afghan partner unit after their commander was fatally wounded. Through "exemplary leadership from the front" as well as "courage, outstanding leadership, determination, selfless commitment, and personal bravery," he managed to prevent encirclement by enemy forces and maintain the momentum of the attack. Ultimately, he led the highly intensive and complex operation to success.

Chief Master Sergeant F.:

"Unyielding determination in urban and house-to-house combat"

Chief Master Sergeant F. was the platoon leader in the main attack. He was also in charge of members of the Afghan partner unit. During a critical phase of intense enemy resistance, his "energetic and determined coordination of fire and movement" ensured the connection with the main forces. Fighting at close quarters, F. demonstrated "exemplary bravery without regard for his own safety." Acting on the front line in line with the mission, F. significantly supported the common goal of the attack and thus the operational success.

Operation "Mah Taabi" ("Moonlight") in Afghanistan

The aim of the operation was the apprehension of several wanted criminals, who were held responsible for a deadly attack on a German patrol in 2011. In close cooperation with Afghan law enforcement authorities and an Afghan partner unit, a helicopter-supported operation took place on October 12, 2012. Due to massive Taliban resistance, a several-hour gunfight ensued. This operation remains one of the most intense and dangerous in the history of the KSK.

In addition to the two commando soldiers, a pilot from the Helicopter Squadron 64 was also awarded the Cross of Honor for Bravery for his actions during the operation.

Detailed documentation at the KSK Visitor Center

Interviews and further original documents of Operation Mah Taabi are presented at the KSK Visitor Center. The unique Bundeswehr Visitor Center is located directly in front of the Graf-Zeppelin Barracks in Calw. It is open to the public on Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. Groups can also book tours through the KSK Visitor Center.

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