- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Oberst (Colonel)
- Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 330/183. Infanterie-Division
- Awarded on:
- August 22nd, 1943
During the fighting northwest of Orel in July 1943 Oberst Elbl took over a sector where the Soviets had broken in between the 211. and 293. Infanterie-Divisionen. Through his courageous and determined actions he prevented a breakthrough by far larger enemy forces, with his Regiment holding off Soviet attacks for days. When the Soviets did succeed in penetrating the lines on the 23.07.1943 and proceed to threaten a road in the rear of his Regiment, Oberst Elbl launched a counterattack with 3 Sturmgeschützen, elements of his regimental staff and a handful of other weak reserves. With this force he succeeded in pushing the enemy back in bitter close combat. He would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for this action.