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 engaged in bombing campaigns against British troops south of Tobruk. Following this, it conducted mine-laying operations along the Libyan coast. On January 16, 1942, Helbig received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his 210th combat mission.