On 10 December the unit flew interdiction operations against the British Army south of Tobruk. Thereafter, the unit flew mine-laying operations off the Libyan coast. On 16 January 1942, Helbig became the 64th recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves after having completed 210 combat missions.
On December 10, 1941, the unit participated in air raids against British forces south of Tobruk. Subsequently, it carried out mine-laying operations off Libya's coast. On January 16, 1942, Helbig was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his 210th combat mission.