"Awarded for his successes over the course of 75 bomber sorties." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross citation, awarded on November 24th, 1940.
"Awarded for his completion of a total of 210 bomber sorties. In this
time he flew a variety of missions against targets in the Mediterranean,
being involved in attacks on convoys and the aircraft carrier Illustrious, among other things. In April 1941 he sank a 10000 GRT
troop transport in the port of Piraeus, Greece." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves citation, awarded on January 16th, 1942.
"Awarded for further distinguishing himself as a pilot and Gruppe commander as well as reaching a total of 330 sorties flown. One of his
Gruppe’s most notable successes was against a group of 4 new British
destroyers near Crete on the 11.05.1942. Within the space of 10 minutes
they had struck the destroyers Lively, Kipling and Jackal and all
of these were eventually sunk. Helbig personally sunk the destroyer Kipling with a flight of four bombers. In receiving the Swords Helbig was also recognized for his personal total of 182000 GRT worth of enemy shipping sunk." from his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords citation, awarded on September 28th, 1942.
A truly skilled enemy elite,
Brian
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