Appendices

Appendix I

Table of Ranks

SS	German Army (Heer)	US
Oberst-Gruppenführer	Generaloberst	Colonel General
Obergruppenführer	General	General
Gruppenführer	Generalleutnant	Lieutenant General
Brigadeführer	Generalmajor	Major General
Oberführer	no equivalent	Brigadier General
Standartenführer	Oberst	Colonel
Obersturmbannführer	Oberstleutnant	Lieutenant Colonel
Sturmbannführer	Major	Major
Hauptsturmführer	Hauptmann/Rittmeister	Captain
Obersturmführer	Oberleutnant	1st Lieutenant
Untersturmführer	Leutnant	2nd Lieutenant
Sturmscharführer	Stabsfeldwebel	Sergeant Major
Stabsscharführer	Hauptfeldwebel	Senior NCO post
Hauptscharführer	Oberfeldwebel	Master Sergeant
Oberscharführer	Feldwebel/Wachtmeister	Technical Sergeant
Scharführer	Unterfeldwebel	Staff Sergeant
Unterscharführer	Unteroffizier	Sergeant
Rottenführer	Stabsgefreiter/Obergefreiter	Corporal
Sturmmann	Oberschütze	Private 1st Class
Mann	Schütze	Private

Appendix II¹

Officers of SS-Panzer Regiment 12

The primary known officers of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 are listed below just prior to D-Day. As with all such personnel list completeness is impossible, both due to the standard record keeping of the day and shifting of positions. Less senior posts were often not listed, the Regiment having further men commanding at platoon (Zug) level. Those missing in action, for whom no fate is known – if indeed they survived the conflict – as well as those killed but never identified, further inhibits the completeness of such lists. Elsewhere in this appendix is a second list covering the same period through the end of the war, showing further losses during the Ardennes and late war combats before “Hitlerjugend” surrendered in 1945.

SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Regimentskommandeur	Obersturmbannführer Max Wünsche
Adjutant	Hauptsturmführer Georg Isecke
Ordonnanz Offizier	Untersturmführer Rudolf Nerlich
Nachrichtenoffizier	Hauptsturmführer Helmut Schlauß
TFK I	Hauptsturmführer Wilhelm Sammann
Verwaltungsoffizier	Hauptsturmführer Hermann Lütgert
Regimentsarzt	Hauptsturmführer Dr Rudolf Stiawa
Zahnarzt	Hauptsturmführer Dr. Heinrich Neinhardt
Flak Zugführer	Untersturmführer Walter Schaffert
Werksttattkompanie Chef2	Untersturmführer Konrad Wörz

I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 (Panther)

Abteilungskommandeur	Sturmbannführer Arnold Jürgensen
Adjutant	Untersturmführer Heinz Hubertus Schröder
Ordonnanz Offizier	Untersturmführer Hans Hogrefe
TFK	Untersturmführer Helmuth Kloos
TFW	Obersturmführer Anton Stark
Nachrichtenoffizier	Untersturmführer Rolf Jauch
Abteilungsarzt	Obersturmführer Dr. Wilhelm Daniel
Chef of the 1.Kompanie	Hauptsturmführer Kurt-Anton Berlin
Chef of the 2.Kompanie	Obersturmführer Helmut Gaede
Chef of the 3.Kompanie	Obersturmführer Rudolf von Ribbentrop
Chef of the 4.Kompanie	Hauptsturmführer Hans Pfeiffer
Werkstatt Zugführer	Untersturmführer Robert Maier

II./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 (Panzer IV)

Abteilungskommandeur	Sturmbannführer Karl-Heinz Prinz
Adjutant	Obersturmführer Friedrich Hartmann
Ordonnanz Offizier	Untersturmführer Herbert Walther
Verwaltungsoffizier	Untersturmführer Sebastian Schweiger
TFK I	Obersturmführer Dieter Müller
TFK II	Untersturmführer Karl Pucher
Nachrichtenoffizier	Untersturmführer Hermann Komadina
Abteilungsarzt	Hauptsturmführer Dr. Oskar Jordan
Zahnarzt	Untersturmführer Dr. Benno Hofer
Chef of the 5.Kompanie	Obersturmführer Helmut Bando
Chef of the 6.Kompanie	Hauptsturmführer Ludwig Ruckdeschel
Chef of the 7. Kompanie	Hauptsturmführer Heinrich Bräcker
Chef of the 8.Kompanie	Obersturmführer Hans Siegel
Chef of the 9.Kompanie3	Hauptsturmführer Wolf Buettner
Werkstatt Zugführer	Obersturmführer Dieter Müller

Knight’s Cross Holders of SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Oakleaves

Max Wünsche

August 11, 1944, Obersturmbannführer, Kommandeur, SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Knight’s Cross

Arnold Jürgensen	October 16, 1944, Sturmbannführer, Kommandeur, I./SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Karl-Heinz Prinz	July 11, 1944, Sturmbannführer, Kommandeur, II./SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Richard Rudolf	November 18, 1944, Oberscharführer, Zugführer, SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Hans Siegel	August 23, 1944, Hauptsturmführer, Kompanie Chef, 8./SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Max Wünsche: Born in Kittlitz on April 20, 1914 and joined SS start of October 1934. Führeranwärter Lehrgang (officer candidate course) in Jüterbog starting November 11, 1934 to April 24, 1935. Attends 2nd Class of cadets of Junkerschule Bad Tölz, then Zugführer Lehrgang (platoon leaders’ course) in Dachau, Standartenoberjunker – February 25, 1936. April 28, 1936 made Zugführer in the 9./LSSAH, then moved to 11.Kompanie as Zugführer. October 10, 1938, becomes ordnance officer with the Begleitkommando des Führers. January 24, 1940, Zugführer in 15./LSSAH. June 1940 returns to Begleitkommando des Führers as adjutant. December 5, 1940, becomes adjutant of LSSAH. February 1942 commander Sturmgeschütz Abteilung LSSAH. June 1 to August 31, 1942 attends Generalstabslehrgang (General Staff officers’ course) at the Army Kriegsschule in Berlin September 1, 1942, returns as commander of Sturmgeschütz Abteilung LSSAH. October 22, 1942, appointed commander of I.Abteilung, Panzer Regiment LSSAH.

Oakleaves recommendation cover for the eventual award to Max Wünsche, signed by “Hitlerjugend” commander Kurt “Panzer” Meyer. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Recommendation of Obersturmbannführer Max Wünsche, Kommandeur, SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the Oakleaves to the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

July 7, 1943, appointed commander of Panzer Regiment “Hitlerjugend” (also given as June 24, 1943, in a promotion recommendation dated November 28, 1943). July 28, to August 20, 1943, attends course for Abteilung commanders at Army Panzertruppenschule Wünsdorf. Wounded June 9, 1944, but remained with his command. Untersturmführer, April 20, 1936, Obersturmführer, November 9, 1938, Hauptsturmführer, May 25, 1940, Sturmbannführer, September 1, 1942, Obersturmbannführer, January 30, 1944. Iron Cross 2nd Class May 25, 1940, Iron Cross 1st Class June 20, 1940, Eastern Front Medal July 6, 1942, Wound Badge in Black 1940, Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze October 30, 1940, Wound Badge in Silver June 11, 1944, German Cross in Gold February 25, 1943, Knight’s Cross February 28, 1943. Captured on August 19, 1944, during the Falaise pocket fighting after being wounded in the leg and a POW until 1948. Postwar manager of an industrial plant in Wuppertal and died on April 18, 1995, in Munich.

As commander of SS-Panzer Regiment 12, Obersturmbannführer Max Wünsche was recommended for the Oakleaves to the Knight’s Cross by divisional commander Kurt Meyer. Submitted for approval in July and approved on 11 August 1944, Meyer’s text reads as follows:⁴

In the intense offensive and defensive fighting of the 12.SS-Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” west of Caen, SS-Panzer Regiment 12, under its commander Obersturmbannführer Max Wünsche, has to date knocked out 219 enemy tanks. This success is entirely due to the flexible leadership and resolve of its commander. While recklessly exposing his own person he has mastered the most difficult situations. Thanks to the action of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 on 28/29 June 1944, southwest of Caen, the enemy plan to build a bridgehead at Amayé and St. André was thwarted. By means of constant counterattacks and skillfully conducted flank attacks, Kampfgruppe “Wünsche” was able to smash the enemy armoured spearheads. Without the action of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 and the leadership of Obersturmbannführer Wünsche, the division would have been unable to destroy the enemy forces southwest of Caen. The accomplishments of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 deserve special recognition because it is a young regiment with an extremely young corps of non-commissioned officers and even younger enlisted men. The losses incurred by SS-Panzer Regiment 12 bear no comparison with the enemy losses of armour. In hand-to-hand fighting Obersturmbannführer Wünsche was already wounded on the second day. Nevertheless, he remained with his regiment and continued to lead it with courageous personal commitment.

I request that the personal bravery of commander of Obersturmbannführer Max Wünsche and his flexible leadership be recognized with the award of the Oakleaves to

The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross

(Signed) [Kurt] Meyer

SS-Standartenführer and Division Commander

Arnold Jürgensen: Born in Tellingstedt on May 17, 1910. Joined the SS on January 1, 1932, with the 2./I./53.SS-Standarte and moved to the “Leibstandarte” on May 10, 1933. March 1935 became a Zugführer in the 8./LSSAH, then a Zugführer with the 6./LSSAH from August 1935. Mid-September 1939 Ordnance Officer 2./LSSAH and then June 1940 Kompanie Chef 11./LSSAH. July 1940 Kompanie Chef 13./LSSAH. July 1942 infantry gun Kompanie Chef in SS-Infanterie Regiment 1 “LSSAH”. September 15, 1942, to Panzer Abteilung LSSAH and 1.Kompanie Chef. German Cross in Gold as Hauptsturmführer and Kompanie Chef, 1./SS-Panzer Abteilung 1 “Leibstandarte”, May 6, 1943. November 15, 1943 to “Hitlerjugend” as commander I./SS-Panzer Abteilung 12, wounded August 9, 1944. Untersturmführer November 9, 1938, Obersturmführer January 30, 1940, Hauptsturmführer January 30, 1942, Sturmbannführer January 30, 1945. Iron Cross 2nd Class October 16, 1939, Iron Cross 1st Class July 22, 1940, Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze March 9, 1942, Eastern Front Medal August 25, 1942. Recommended for the Knight’s Cross by Kurt “Panzer” Meyer on August 29, 1944. Severely wounded on December 21, 1944, he died in a field hospital in Büttgenbach two days later.

Recommendation of Sturmbannführer Arnold Jürgensen, Kommandeur, I./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

As a Sturmbannführer commanding the I.Abteilung of the “Hitlerjugend” Panzer Regiment, Arnold Jürgensen was recommended for the Knight’s Cross by divisional commander Kurt Meyer. Meyer’s proposal, submitted on 29 August 1944, reads as follows:⁵

Sturmbannführer Jürgensen has participated in all the previous campaigns of this war. He is the commander of the I.(Panther)Abteilung of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 of the 12.SS-Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend”. He has exhibited exceptional courage and circumspect leadership in the fighting on the Invasion Front. Under his leadership the Abteilung has destroyed 321 enemy tanks in the fighting on the Invasion Front.

Sturmbannführer Jürgensen was particularly conspicuous for exceptional bravery in the fighting on 8 August 1944. After the enemy had broken through the positions of the 89.Infanterie Division on the previous day, 7 August 1944, in the Garcelles [-Secqueville] (mouth of the Laize River) sector in the combat area south of Caen, Sturmbannführer Jürgensen moved out with a few tanks on 8 August 1944. They went from the sector of the adjoining division to take position for a counterattack in the area north of Rouvres. In this area, however, he was surprised by the sudden appearance of a strong armoured force of about 60 enemy tanks. Sturmbannführer Jürgensen immediately attacked with his tanks, regained the commanding Hill 140 and brought the enemy to a halt. That made it possible to recapture, as ordered, the positions on the most favorable terrain. That, in turn, made it impossible for the enemy to break through to Falaise in the course of this combat operation. The tanks led by Sturmbannführer Jürgensen destroyed 32 enemy tanks during this action. Sturmbannführer Jürgensen was wounded in this action, but continued to lead his unit until the conclusion of this fighting.

The effective, courageous leadership of Sturmbannführer Jürgensen is the reason that the enemy could not break through to Falaise on 8 August 1944. Because of the exemplary courage of its commander, the Panther Abteilung of the 12.SS-Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” was able to destroy over 300 enemy tanks during the ten-week battle on the Invasion Front.

I recommend that Sturmbannführer Jürgensen be awarded

The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

(Signed) [Kurt] Meyer

SS-Oberführer and Divisions-Kommandeur

Karl-Heinz Prinz: Born on February 23, 1914, in Marburg and joined Allgemeine-SS February 1933. March 1935 joined SS/VT with Regiment “Germania”. Attended 1936 class at Junkerschule Braunschweig April 1936 to end of January 1937. Standartenjunker September 28, 1936, Standartenoberjunker February 16, 1937. Served in Totenkopfverbände with “Oberbayern” after being commissioned. September 1939 to late March 1940 adjutant of SS-Totenkopfstandarte 7. Late March 1940 to “Totenkopf” Division as Zugführer in 14./SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. June to late August 1940 Kompanie Führer 14./Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1. Transferred to “Leibstandarte” and self-propelled Kompanie Chef 1./Panzerjäger Abteilung “LSSAH”, German Cross in Gold March 28, 1943. To “Hitlerjugend” 1943 as commander II./SS-Panzer Regiment 12. Killed during an attack north of Falaise near le Torps on August 14, 1944. Promoted Untersturmführer April 20, 1937, Obersturmführer November 9, 1938, Hauptsturmführer April 20, 1941, and Sturmbannführer June 21, 1943. Iron Cross 2nd Class June 21, 1940, Iron Cross 1st Class September 24, 1941, Eastern Front Medal August 30, 1942, and Tank Assault Badge in Silver February 21, 1942.

Panzer Regiment commander Max Wünsche both proposed and formally submitted Karl-Heinz Prinz for the Knight’s Cross for his commander of the II.Abteilung. Wünsche’s recommendation, submitted on 20 June 1944, reads as follows:⁶

SS-Sturmbannführer Prinz has excelled in all the campaigns – Western, Balkan and Russian – and was awarded the German Cross in Gold. On 7 June 1944, as commander of the II./Abteilung, Panzer Regiment 12 at Caen, with only a few tanks of his Abteilung, he opposed the attack of strong enemy forces that were already within 1500 meters of the Caen airfield. He repulsed the attack and thereby

1.) prevented the capture of the airfield and city of Caen, and

2.) established the prerequisites for a German counterattack.

Under extremely difficult circumstances, extremely heavy fire from enemy naval guns and in the face of numerous tanks and anti-tank guns, the attack brought the villages of Authie, Cussy, Buron and Contest into German hands. Despite the heavy enemy fire, Prinz fought his way forward with the Abteilung to Villons. In so doing he captured three English majors and one company, as well as destroying 14 enemy tanks.

At about 1800 hours, supported by the drumfire barrage of his naval artillery, the enemy renewed the attack with about 30 tanks. Thanks to the personal bravery and skilled leadership of Sturmbannführer Prinz, the enemy attack was repulsed and the attained line was held. In so doing, 16 enemy Sherman and General Lee tanks were knocked out.

On 11 June 1944, the enemy broke through with infantry and over 35 tanks via Le Mesnil-Patry toward the Tilly-Caen main road. On his own initiative, Prinz immediately launched a hasty counterattack. Through his skillful assault and bold leadership, Prinz knocked out 21 enemy Sherman tanks, recaptured Mesnil-Patry, and prevented the breakthrough of additional enemy forces from Norrey.

In the ensuing days Prinz continued to excel in his personal bravery and zeal. He personally led every counterattack and was a shining example to his men. With his young Abteilung, Sturmbannführer Prinz has destroyed 73 enemy tanks and shot down 19 aircraft in what is now over 15 days of fighting, thereby contributing greatly to the overall success of the regiment and the division.

Kommandeur, SS-Panzer Regiment 12

(Signed) [Max] Wünsche

Obersturmbannführer

Recommendation of Sturmbannführer Karl-Heinz Prinz, Kommandeur, W./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Richard Rudolf: Born April 16, 1923, in Hermsdorf/Sachsen and joined the Waffen-SS July 4, 1940. Posted to the “Leibstandarte” and promoted to Unterscharführer August 1, 1942. Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte” as tank commander. To “Hitlerjugend” as a later NCO Zugführer in SS-Panzer Regiment 12 and awarded the Knight’s Cross. Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class, Wound Badge in Silver, Tank Assault badge in Silver. Survived the war and died in Schönau on December 13, 2004.

Hans Siegel: Born in Böckau on July 25, 1918. Served in 15.SS-Totenkopfstandarte before joining the “Leibstandarte” in 1938. In Poland he commanded a heavy mortar platoon with the 12./LSSAH. Attended 2nd wartime cadet class at Junkerschule Bad Tölz, then Zugführer in 4./Ersatz Bataillon “Leibstandarte”. 1941 became 1.Kompanie Chef. December 1941 I.Zugführer in the 3.Batterie of Sturmgeschütz Abteilung “Leibstandarte”. Autumn of 1943 with the SS-Sturmgeschütz-Ausbildungs-und Ersatz Abteilung at Truppenübungsplatz “Heidelager” near Krakow, Poland. January 10, 1944, to 12.SS-Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” as 8.Kompanie Chef, SS-Panzer Regiment 12. Wounded June 27, 1944. Succeeded Karl-Heinz Prinz in command of II./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 after Prinz was killed on August 15, 1944. When Herbert Kuhlmann became ill, Siegel given temporary command of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 by divisional commander Hugo Kraas. When Martin Groß took command of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 in 1945, Siegel then returned to command of its II.Abteilung. Seriously wounded on March 24, 1945, his ninth wartime wound. Captured May 8, 1945, his severe wounds resulting in an arm being amputated. Untersturmführer August 1, 1940, Obersturmführer November 9, 1942, Hauptsturmführer June 21, 1944. Iron Cross 2nd Class February 18, 1943, Iron Cross 1st Class June 14, 1944, Eastern Front Medal February 6, 1943, Wound Badge in Silver March 30, 1943, Tank Assault Badge in Silver March 30, 1943. Became an architect after the war and died on April 18, 2002, in Andernach.

As a Hauptsturmführer and Kompanie Chef of the 8./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, Hans Siegel was recommended for the Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1944. Panzer Regiment commander Obersturmbannführer Max Wünsche wrote and submitted the proposal that reads as follows:⁷

Recommendation of Hauptsturmführer Hans Siegel, Kompanie Chef, 8./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Hauptsturmführer Siegel is the soul of the fighting spirit of his Abteilung. In the eventful offensive and defensive fighting around Caen, as Kompanie commander, he knocked out 11 of the 37 enemy tanks destroyed by his company.

On 11 June, 1944, in the counterattack east of Tilly when his fourth tank was knocked out from under him, Siegel had to dismount far from friendly lines. He returned while also bringing in four prisoners.

On 27 June, 1944, the British broke through from Cheux to Grainville and Mouen. Siegel was withdrawn from the most extreme defensive fighting, where enemy tanks were knocked out at a range of 30 meters, and thrown into the fight against the new enemy attack. In a night attack, Siegel gained ground to the north and thwarted the advance of the enemy armour via Grainville to the south. Siegel held his positions without any infantry support and despite extremely heavy gunfire.

While positioning and briefing his men he was surprised in the dark of night by an enemy patrol. In the hand-to-hand fighting that resulted he was stabbed in the right side. Nevertheless, he was able to repulse the enemy and hold his position.

The next morning the enemy renewed their attack. Siegel fought with his tank to the last, making it possible to bring up new forces and thereby prevent a decisive British breakthrough. In so doing Siegel’s tank was knocked out from under him for the fifth time and he suffered extremely severe burns.

(Signed) [Max] Wünsche

Obersturmführer and Rgt.-Kommandeur

Because of his extremely courageous actions I recommend Hauptsturmführer Siegel for this high award

The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross

(Signed) [Kurt] Meyer

SS-Standartenführer and Division Commander

German Cross in Gold Holders of SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Ullrich Ahrens	August 25, 1944, Standartenoberjunker, 2./SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Kurt-Anton Berlin Helmut Gaede	confirmed award with date, SS-Panzer Regiment 12 August 25, 1944, Obersturmführer, 2./SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Heinz Lehmann	August 25, 1944, Hauptscharführer, 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Kurt Mühlhaus	August 19, 1944, Standartenoberjunker, 6./SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Erich Pohl	December 30, 1944, Obersturmführer, 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12
Rudolf von Ribbentrop	August 25, 1944, Obersturmführer, 3./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 Ludwig Ruckdeschel, August 19, 1944, Hauptsturmführer, 6./SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Ullrich Ahrens: Saw combat in Poland, as an Unterscharführer with the 4./V.I LSSAH in 1941. Attended Junkerschule for reserve officer candidates and killed as a Standartenoberjunker d.R. and Zugführer with the 2./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 on August 14, 1944, in La Cambe. Iron Cross 2nd Class October 10, 1941, Iron Cross 1st Class December 24, 1941, Wound Badge in Black December 24, 1941, Tank Assault Badge in Silver March 1, 1943.

Recommendation of Standartenoberjunker Ullrich Ahrens, 2./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

As a Standartenoberjunker d.R. and Zugführer with the 2./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, Ullrich Ahrens was recommended for his award by Sturmbannführer Arnold Jürgensen. After being seconded by regimental commander Max Wünsche, the following proposal was submitted on 25 July 1944.⁸

Ahrens participated in the Polish Campaign from 1 September to 28 September, the Balkan Campaign from 26 April 1941 to 14 May, 1941, the Russian Campaign from 2 July 1941 to 2 July 1942, and in winter action at Kharkov from 10 February to 15 April 1943.

Ahrens has proven to be outstanding for his bold, fearless conduct and exemplary courage in all these campaigns.

As commander of a Tiger tank he came up against a strong enemy anti-tank position during an attack on 6 March 1943 in the fighting around Kharkov. Thanks to his personal commitment and fearlessness, he destroyed six anti-tank guns (7.62cm) and several infantry weapons. Ahrens had his tank knocked out in this action, dismounted, and fought the enemy infantry in the area with his machine pistol.

In the fighting on the Invasion Front Ahrens repeatedly demonstrated his independence, reliable conduct, and special bravery in an attack against enemy armour and infantry north of Grainville.

In a counterattack on the Caen airfield he again displayed special zeal and courage. He destroyed four enemy tanks with their following infantry, thereby smashing the enemy attack.

In a counterattack on 9 July 1944 in Maltot, he repeatedly excelled for fearlessness and bravery. Under extremely heavy artillery fire he destroyed one Bren Gun Carrier and an enemy Sherman tank.

Because of his repeated demonstrations of courage I recommend him for this high award.

(signed) [Arnold] Jürgensen

Sturmbannführer and Abt.-Kommandeur

Ahrens is a soldier who has proven himself in all campaigns. Because of his repeatedly proven special bravery he is recommended for promotion to an officer, and I recommend him for the award of the German Cross in Gold.

(signed) [Max] Wünsche

Sturmbannführer and Rgts.-Kommandeur

Kurt-Anton Berlin: Joined the SS at the start of 1932 and July 1933 to “Leibstandarte”. Attended 1938 class Junkerschule Bad Tölz then posted to Totenkopfverbände with 3./Thüringen as Zugführer September 1938. May 1939 to SS-Heimwehr Danzig. July 1939 attached to Army 13./Infanterie Regiment 101 and with unit during combat in Poland. Assigned to “Totenkopf” Division November 1939 as Zugführer in 14./SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 3, May 1940 14.Kompanie Chef, August 1940 adjutant SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 2. Mid-November 1940 moved to Einsatzstab “Wegner” under Reichskommissariat “Norwegen”. Late March 1942 to “Das Reich” as Stabskompanie Chef, Panzer Regiment. Mid-November 1942 to Panzer Abteilung “Leibstandarte” until start of 1944. Assigned to “Hitlerjugend” Panzer Regiment January 1, 1944, and trained by Army on Panthers February 1944. Kompanie Chef 1./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 until mid-January 1945. Transferred to “Totenkopf” Division as commander of I.Abteilung, SS-Panzer Regiment 3. Recipient Blood Order and German Cross in Gold without date. Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Classes, Tank Assault Badge in Silver. Untersturmführer November 9, 1938, Obersturmführer January 30, 1940, Hauptsturmführer January 30, 1942, Sturmbannführer January 30, 1945. Survived war and died on July 1, 1969.

Helmut Gaede: Joined SS 1938, to Waffen-SS September 22, 1939. Attended Junkerschule Bad Tölz May to September 1941 and posted to “Leibstandarte”. With VII./Leibstandarte and served with Kampfgruppe “Schuldt” (led by later Swords holder Hinrich Schuldt) in Don fighting to March 1943 when wounded. SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Ausbildungs-und Ersatz Bataillon I March to October 1943. Assigned to “Hitlerjugend” October 1943, led 2., then 1.Kompanie of SS-Panzer Regiment 12. Untersturmführer January 30, 1942, Obersturmführer November 9, 1943. Iron Cross 2nd Class October 29, 1941, Iron Cross 1st Class March 21, 1942, Eastern Front Medal August 1, 1942, Wound Badge in Black March 5, 1943. He survived the war, eventual fate unknown.

Helmut Gaede was an Obersturmführer leading the 2./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 when recommended for the German Cross in Gold by Arnold Jürgensen. The proposal, seconded by Panzer Regiment commander Max Wünsche, was submitted on 25 July 1944 and reads as follows:⁹

Gaede took part in the Polish Campaign from 1 September to 16 September 1939.

From 18 September 1941 to July 1942 he took part in the Russian Campaign as leader of a machine gun platoon. There he repeatedly excelled through his coolness and personal commitment. On 28 October 1941 he completely destroyed an attacking Russian battalion with his machine gun platoon and gained mention in a division order for 29 October 1941 for his personal courage.

In the winter of 42/43 he repeatedly shone in the heavy defensive fighting in the Don Bend because of his courage and coolness.

Since the start of the fighting on the Invasion Front, he has repeatedly excelled through his personal commitment and daredevil actions.

On 29 June 1944 he repulsed several enemy attacks with his company due to his personal actions. In a counterattack on Hill 112, north of Esquay, he knocked out six enemy tanks.

During the time from 2 July 1944 to 8 July 1944 he repulsed heavy enemy attacks against the commanding heights of the Caen airfield, knocking out seven enemy Sherman tanks. In this he displayed personal courage in the face of the most difficult conditions.

Because of the repeated displays of courage, Gaede is recommended for this high award.

(Signed) [Arnold] Jürgensen

SS-Sturmbannführer and Abt.-Kommandeur

Aside from the actions in Poland and Russia, every day he has proven himself anew while his company has been committed almost exclusively in the main line of resistance. This six weeks of unbroken action was under extremely heavy enemy artillery fire. Because of his personal courage I recommend him for this high award,

(Signed) [Max] Wünsche

SS-Obersturmbannführer and Rgts.-Kommandeur

Recommendation of Obersturmführer Helmut Gaede, 2./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Heinz Lehmann: Joined SS-Verfügungstruppe November 1, 1938, with 5./Leibstandarte. Trained with “Das Reich” and became NCO tank commander February 1942, with eventual Panzer Abteilung “Leibstandarte” when formed (Oberscharführer April 20, 1942). Transferred to “Hitlerjugend” and by July 1944 NCO Zugführer with 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 as a Hauptscharführer. Iron Cross 2nd Class October 3, 1940, Iron Cross 1st Class March 3, 1943, Tank Assault Badge in Silver April 1, 1943, Wound Badge in Black September 20, 1941, Wound Badge in Silver. Untersturmführer August 1, 1944 (field commission). Wounded July 14, 1941 (hospital until October 1941), February 15, 1943, and March 20, 1943. Killed August 23, 1944, in Champigny-St. André.

As a Hauptscharführer and Zugführer with the 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, Heinz Lehmann was recommended for the German Cross in Gold on 25 July 1944. Proposed by Sturmbannführer Arnold Jürgensen, commander of the I.Abteilung, his recommendation text reads as follows:

During the bitter fighting in the winter of 1943 around Kharkov, Lehmann proved himself worthy of the highest recognition with his unusual courage.¹⁰ On 16 February 1943 he stood out in the destruction of a Russian division with his conspicuously daredevil aggressiveness. As a tank commander, he unhesitatingly advanced toward the attacking Russian battalion and destroyed hundreds of Russians infantry through his reckless boldness.

He drove point in a breakthrough and, through circumspect action, destroyed two anti-tank guns in an anti-tank position.

Since the start of the fighting on the Invasion Front he has led his platoon with conspicuous bravery.

During a night attack on Rots-Bretteville, west of Caen, Lehmann shined brilliantly for his circumspect leadership and exemplary courage as platoon leader. He broke through the enemy anti-tank positions and reached his objective, destroying two enemy anti-tank guns and five Bren Gun Carriers.

In the same manner, on 11 June 1944 he inspired his men to charge in a hasty counterattack against a strong enemy penetration east of Tilly. Despite extremely heavy artillery fire, they destroyed four enemy tanks.

Lehmann has been especially remarkable for conspicuous personal bravery and circumspect leadership of his platoon in all of the actions which have taken place. I recommend him for this high award.

(Signed) [Arnold] Jürgensen

SS-Sturmbannführer and Abt.-Kommandeur

Lehmann is one of the most able non-commissioned officers of the Leibstandarte and one of the most outstanding platoon leaders of the regiment. He has repeatedly excelled in all campaigns for his courage and pluck and has been recommended for promotion to an officer. I recommend him for this high award.

(Signed) [Max] Wünsche

SS-Obersturmbannführer and Regts.-Kommandeur

Recommendation of Hauptscharführer Heinz Lehmann, 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Kurt Mühlhaus: Joined SS early 1938 and from April 1938 “Leibstandarte”. Start of war was motorcycle dispatch rider for an infantry company of “Leibstandarte” and Unterscharführer September 1, 1940. October 23, 1942, tank commander and Truppführer with 1./Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte”, Oberscharführer November 9, 1942. Attended Junkerschule as reserve officer candidate, to SS-Panzer Regiment 12 as Standartenoberjunker d.R. and Zugführer 6./SS-Panzer Regiment 12. Iron Cross 2nd Class November 1, 1941, Iron Cross 1st Class March 3, 1943, Eastern Front Medal August 25, 1942, Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze September 22, 1943. Eventual fate unknown.

Erich Pohl: Promoted directly to Army Leutnant from Gefreiter after destroying 14 T-34s on August 18, 1941. Transferred to “Hitlerjugend” as a trained Panzer officer 1944, and Kompanie Chef 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12. Given equal SS rank August 15, 1944, and promoted to Obersturmführer September 1, 1944. Both classes of Iron Cross August 18, 1941, Tank Assault Badge in Silver August 24, 1941, Wound Badge in Black September 15, 1941, Wound Badge in Silver September 15, 1944, Mentioned in Wehrmacht Daily Report August 21, 1941 (for August 18, 1941, combats), Roll of Honor Clasp February 5, 1945. Fate unknown.

Erich Pohl was recommended for the German Cross in Gold as a Hauptsturmführer and Kompanie Chef of the 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12. The proposal, written by Knight’s Cross holder Sturmbannführer Arnold Jürgensen when commander of the I./Panzer Regiment 12, was submitted on 8 November 1944 and reads as follows:¹¹

Pohl participated in the Russian campaign from 22 June to 19 August 1941 and again from 20 August 1942 to 1 May 1943.

There he repeatedly proved his pluck and courage. On 18 August 1941 he knocked out 14 T-34 tanks, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.¹² Pohl was mentioned in the Wehrmacht Daily Report for bravery and received a battlefield promotion from Gefreiter to Leutnant.

In the very first days of fighting on the Invasion Front he again demonstrated uncommon courage and bold action. In the first two days he and his Kompanie knocked out 20 enemy Sherman tanks, four of which he personally destroyed.

In a display of reckless personal commitment during an attack on Rots and Bretteville in the Caen combat area, he knocked out five out of eight attacking enemy tanks, thereby repulsing the attack.

In a night attack on Carpiquet, northwest of Caen, Pohl shined with clear, circumspect leadership and the highest level of personal commitment. Because of his bold, aggressive spirit he was able to destroy an artillery position, thereby bringing immediate perceptible aid and relief to the infantry.

During the Battle of the Falaise Pocket, Pohl again performed outstandingly bold actions. In the course of the withdrawal after the pocket battle at Conches and Verneuil, his Kompanie, which still had 10 tanks, knocked out 12 Sherman tanks. They thus thwarted the intended enemy breakthrough.

On 24, 25, and 26 August the enemy repeatedly probed with armoured spearheads. They were repulsed each time, with the loss of five enemy tanks, by the dynamic and effective defense of Obersturmführer Pohl.

Because of his repeatedly demonstrated courage and circumspect leadership,

Pohl is recommended for this high award.

Endorsed:

Regimental Command Post, 6 November 1944

(Signed) [Willi] Hardieck (Signed) [Arnold] Jürgensen

SS-Sturmbannführer SS-Sturmbannführer

and Rgts.-Kommandeur and Abt.-Kommandeur

Recommendation of Obersturmführer Erich Pohl, 4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Rudolf von Ribbentrop: Son of Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop, attended NPEA school in Ilfeld. Joined Waffen-SS September 1, 1939, with 11./Deutschland. Attended 5th wartime cadet class at Junkerschule Braunschweig then attached to Befehlshaber der Waffen-SS “Nord”. June 1941 to 1./Aufklärungsabteilung SS-Kampfgruppe “Nord” as Zugführer. Wounded September 1941 and after recovery in February 1942 to Panzer Abteilung “Leibstandarte”. 6. then 7.Kompanie Chef, Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte”. To “Hitlerjugend” as 3.Kompanie Chef, SS-Panzer Regiment 12. Wounded June 3, 1944. Following the injury of Jürgensen took command of I.Abteilung, SS-Panzer Regiment 12 during Ardennes offensive. Untersturmführer April 20, 1941, Obersturmführer April 20, 1943, Hauptsturmführer January 30, 1945. Knight’s Cross July 15, 1943, as 6.Kompanie Führer Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte”. Iron Cross 2nd Class June 19, 1940, Iron Cross 1st Class March 20, 1943, Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze April 1, 1941, Wound Badge in Black, Wound Bade in Silver April 1943. Living in retirement at time of writing.

Arnold Jürgensen recommended Rudolf von Ribbentrop for the German Cross in Gold for his command of the 3./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, with his proposal then being seconded by regimental commander Max Wünsche. The 25 July 1944 recommendation was submitted by “Hitlerjugend” commander Kurt Meyer and reads as follows:

Folder for the German Cross in Gold proposal for Obersturmführer Rudolf von Ribbentrop signed by Kurt “Panzer” Meyer. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Recommendation of Obersturmführer Rudolf von Ribbentrop, 3./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Von Ribbentrop participated in the Western Campaign from 10 May to 31 May 1940 as a motorcycle rifleman. He then took part in securing Norway from 25 April to 6 June 1941 as well as in securing Finland from 7 June to 30 June, 1941.

In the Russian Campaign (Kharkov) in the winter of 42/43 he repeatedly excelled as the leader of a Panzer Zug for outstanding bravery and coolness.

On 12 July 1943 he displayed special bravery, zeal, and coolness in Russia in the attack on Kursk. In a single day he personally knocked out 14 enemy T-34 tanks. In addition, with his Kompanie, he destroyed 40 enemy tanks in a few days.

On the Invasion Front von Ribbentrop particularly shined for self discipline and unusual zeal and coolness, even though he was severely wounded shortly before the start of the invasion by a low-flying enemy airplane.

On 8 July 1944, through personal commitment in a counterattack, he successfully thwarted an enemy breakthrough at Buron. With his Kompanie, he knocked out 27 enemy Sherman tanks, eight Bren Gun Carriers, mounted infantry, and two anti-tank guns.

Because of his unfailing display of personal bravery I recommend von Ribbentrop for this high award.

(Signed) [Arnold] Jürgensen

Sturmbannführer and Abt.-Kommandeur

Despite his repeated wounds, Obersturmführer von Ribbentrop has remained with his men. In several instances, though not fully healed, he immediately resumed command of his company and led it with exemplary courage and circumspection. Because of his constant display of fresh courage I recommend him for this high award.

(Signed) [Max] Wünsche

Obersturmbannführer and Rgts.-Kommandeur

Ludwig Ruckdeschel: October 1928 to September 1932 Gau Geschäftsführer and Gau Propagandaleiter for Gau Oberfranken. September 1932 deputy Gauleiter for Bayerische Ostmark. Joined SS October 1, 1934, retroactive September 1, 1934. 41.SS-Standarte to November 1, 1935, then to Abschnitt XXVIII to April 1936. Staff officer same Abschnitt to November 9, 1941. Himmler’s staff from then on, substitutes performing duties when with Waffen-SS. War Reporters’ Abteilung November 1941 until assigned to replacements pool section of Oberabschnitt “Main”. May 1942 to Panzer Abteilung “Leibstandarte”, October to December 1942 platoon leader course at Army Panzertruppenschule Wünsdorf. Eventual Zugführer with 2./Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte”. May 1, 1943, to SS-Panzer Regiment 12 as first 6.Kompanie Chef of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 until seriously wounded on June 26, 1944. To SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und Ersatz Regiment, fate afterwards unknown. Allgemeine-SS: Sturmbannführer November 9, 1934, Standartenführer January 1, 1936, Oberführer November 9, 1938, Brigadeführer November 9, 1941. Waffen-SS: Untersturmführer d.R. November 9, 1941, Obersturmführer d.R. April 20, 1943, Hauptsturmführer d.R. June 21, 1944, Sturmbannführer d.R. January 30, 1945. Iron Cross 2nd Class March 9, 1943, Iron Cross 1st Class March 17, 1943, Tank Assault Badge in Silver April 1, 1943, Wound Badge in Black April 1, 1943, Golden Party Badge.

Recommendation of Hauptsturmführer Ludwig Ruckdeschel, 6./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Ludwig Ruckdeschel was a Hauptsturmführer d.R. leading the 6./Panzer Regiment when recommended by Max Wünsche for the German Cross in Gold. Wünsche himself formally submitted the proposal that reads as follows:¹³

Hauptsturmführer Ruckdeschel joined the “Totenkopf” Division on 1 April 1940 as an SS-Mann. After attending an Unterführeranwärter Lehrgang [Non-commissioned officer candidate instruction course] he was promoted to Gruppenführer and took part in the Western Campaign as such in the 3rd Regiment, SS “Totenkopf” Division.

On 28 June 1941 he was transferred to Heeresgruppe “Süd” as the leader of a Propaganda Detachment. Following his promotion to Untersturmführer on 1 December 1941, he reported anew for combat assignment to the Panzer Regiment of the Leibstandarte SS “Adolf Hitler”. As such he participated in the fighting around Kharkov and, as a platoon leader, on account of his exemplary and generally courageous action in combat, was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, on 9 March 1943, the Iron Cross 1st Class on 17 March 1943, and the Wounded Badge in Black on 1 April 1943 for shrapnel wounds to the head and upper arm. On 1 April 1943 he was awarded the Tank Battle Badge in Silver.

Since 7 June 1944 he has been in action with his Panzer Kompanie in the battle for Caen, where he has shown unusual bravery in leading his Kompanie. North of Caen he convincingly smashed the first arriving English armoured opponent, destroying 14 English tanks, three troop carriers, and several anti-tank guns on his first day in action. In the ensuing days, during the fighting for Hill 102 east of Tilly, in extremely intense fighting and under hour-long artillery drumfire Ruckdeschel caused the enemy substantial losses. He knocked out eight more tanks and several anti-tank guns. He has repeatedly proven himself with his steadfastness and fearlessness as an outstanding front-line fighter in his Kompanie.

Ruckdeschel had his tank shot out from under him three times on the Eastern Front, again on 7 June 1944, and also on 17 June 1944. Each time he was outstanding in rescuing his wounded crew members. Despite extremely heavy artillery fire and involvement of enemy armour he has excelled and provided an outstanding example.

Returning from action south of Tilly, he came up against a breakthrough by numerous enemy tanks in the Cheux area. After an extremely intense fight with enemy armour his tank was again knocked out and he lost one arm.

I recommend him for the award of the German Cross in Gold.

(Signed) [Max] Wünsche

Obersturmführer and Rgts.-Kommandeur

SS-Panzer Regiment 12 1944-1945

For reasons stated elsewhere in the appendix a complete listing of all officers of any late war formations such “Hitlerjugend” fighting in the West, especially in the final months of the war, is nigh-on impossible. Many having served with the “Leibstandarte”, the officer cadre of both units in this study suffered grievously in the less than a year between the start of the Normandy fighting and the end of the war. The following are known to have held the posts indicated and are in sequential order.

SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Max Wünsche14	Obersturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Willi Hardieck15	Obersturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Hebert Kuhlmann16	Obersturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Hans Siegel17	Sturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Martin Groß	Obersturmbannführer	Kommandeur
George Iseke18	Hauptsturmführer	Adjutant
Dr. Wolfgang Rabe19	Hauptsturmführer	Regimentsarzt (IVb)
Dr. Rudolf Stiawa20	Hauptsturmführer	Regimentsarzt (IVb)
Heinrich Neinhardt21	Hauptsturmführer	Zahnarzt
Eduard Donaubauer	Obersturmführer	Verwaltungsführer (IVa)
Hermann Lütgert22	Hauptsturmführer	Verwaltungsführer (IVa)
Claus Müller	Obersturmführer	Verwaltungsoffizier (IVa)
Josef Breitenberger23	Obersturmführer	TFK (Technical Officer, Vehicles)
Wilhelm Sammann24	Hauptsturmführer	TFK (Technical Officer, Vehicles)
Josef Langreiter	Obersturmführer	TFK (Technical Officer, Vehicles)
Anton Stark	Obersturmführer	TFW (Technical Officer, Weapons)
Rudolf Nerlich25	Untersturmführer	Ordonnanz Offizier
Bernd Jungbluth26	Obersturmführer	Ordonnanz Offizier
Helmut Schlauß27	Hauptsturmführer	Nachrichtenoffizier
Walter Schaffert28	Untersturmführer	Flak Zugführer
Helmut Post	Untersturmführer	Versorgungskompanie Chef
Paul Kändler29	Untersturmführer	Kraderkundungs Zugführer
Konrad Wörz	Untersturmführer	Werksttattkompanie Chef30

I./SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Thilo Beck31	Hauptsturmführer	Kommandeur (formation)
Arnold Jürgensen32	Sturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Rudolf von Ribbentrop33	Hauptsturmführer	Kommandeur
Heinz Kling34	Sturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Dietrich Minow35	Hauptsturmführer	Kommandeur
Hubertus Schröder36	Untersturmführer	Adjutant
Fritz Fiala37	Obersturmführer	Adjutant
Siegfried Nadler	Untersturmführer	Adjutant
Dr Wilhelm Daniel38	Obersturmführer	Abteilungsarzt (IVb)
Fritz Berger	Obersturmführer	Verwaltungsführer (IVa)
Hans Hogrefe39	Untersturmführer	Ordonnanz Offizier
Rudolf Walter	Untersturmführer	Nachrichten Zugführer
Rolf Jauch	Obersturmführer	Nachrichten Zugführer
Helmuth Kloos40	Untersturmführer	TFK
Hugo Surkow	Obersturmführer	TFK
Robert Maier41	Obersturmführer	TFK
Anton Stark42	Obersturmführer	TFW
Waldemar Schütz43	Hauptsturmführer	Versorgungskompanie44
Walter Schmidt45	Untersturmführer	Werkstattzugführer46

1.Kompanie:

Kurt-Anton Berlin47	Hauptsturmführer	1.Kompanie Chef
Bormuth, Walter	Hauptsturmführer	1.Kompanie Chef
Helmut Gaede48	Obersturmführer	1.Kompanie Chef

2.Kompanie

Wilhelm Beck49	Hauptsturmführer	2.Kompanie Chef
Helmut Gaede50	Obersturmführer	2.Kompanie Chef

3.Kompanie

Rudolf von Ribbentrop51	Hauptsturmführer	3.Kompanie Chef
Kurt Brödel52	Hauptsturmführer	3.Kompanie Chef
Walter Hils53	Hauptmann (Army)	3.Kompanie Chef
Dietrich Minow 54	Hauptsturmführer	3.Kompanie Chef
Joachim-Carl Nölck	Untersturmführer	3.Kompanie Chef

4.Kompanie

Hans Pfeiffer55	Hauptsturmführer	4.Kompanie Chef
Erich Pohl56	Obersturmführer	4.Kompanie Chef

II./SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Karl-Heinz Prinz57	Sturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Hermann Tirschler 58	Hauptsturmführer	Kommandeur
Hans Siegel59	Hauptsturmführer	Kommandeur
Friedrich Hartmann60	Obersturmführer	Adjutant
Herbert Walther61	Obersturmführer	Ordonnanz Offizier
Dr. Oskar Jordan62	Hauptsturmführer	Abteilungsarzt (IVb)
Dr. Claus Müller	Obersturmführer	deputy Abteilungsarzt
Benno Hofner	Untersturmführer	Zahnarzt
Sebastian Schweiger	Untersturmführer	Verwaltungsführer (IVa)
Bruno Bierhold63	Untersturmführer	TFK
Dieter Müller64	Obersturmführer	TFK
Karl Pucher	Untersturmführer	TFK II
Herbert Walther	Untersturmführer	Stabskompanie Chef
Götz Großjohann	Hauptsturmführer	Stabskompanie Chef65
Götz Großjohann	Hauptsturmführer	Versorgungskompanie Chef
Karl-Wilhelm Krause66	Untersturmführer	Flak Zugführer
Hermann Komadina	Untersturmführer	Nachrichten Zugführer
Gunnar Johnsson67	Untersturmführer	Nachrichten Zugführer

5.Kompanie

Helmut Bando68	Obersturmführer	5.Kompanie Chef
Karl-Heinz Porsch	Obersturmführer	5.Kompanie Chef
Wolf Buettner69	Hauptsturmführer	5.Kompanie Chef
Eberhard Jeran70	Untersturmführer	5.Kompanie Chef

6.Kompanie

Ludwig Ruckdeschel71	Hauptsturmführer	6.Kompanie Chef
Helmut Buchwald72	Untersturmführer	6.Kompanie Chef
Hermann Tirschler73	Hauptsturmführer	6.Kompanie Chef
Götz Großjohann74	Hauptsturmführer	6.Kompanie Chef

7.Kompanie

Heinz John75	Obersturmführer	7.Kompanie Chef
Heinrich Bräcker76	Hauptsturmführer	7.Kompanie Chef
Albert Gasch77	Obersturmführer	7.Kompanie Chef

8.Kompanie

Hans Siegel78	Hauptsturmführer	8.Kompanie Chef
Herbert Höfler79	Obersturmführer	8.Kompanie Chef

1 Award recommendation documents translated by Dr Frederick P. Steinhardt. This Appendix also includes biographical data relating to several award holders who were not officers.

2 In a Waffen-SS Panzer Division the repair Kompanie Chef was assigned to the staff with each Abteilung normally having a Werkstattzug.

3 A Versorgungskompanie, it transported to the frontlines any supplies needed for the regiment’s troops and vehicles.

4 Vorschlag Nr. 1 für die Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub. See award proposal cover illustration.

5 Vorschlag Nr. 7 für die Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes, with handwritten approval date of 16 October 1944.

6 Vorschlag Nr. 1 für die Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes, with handwritten approval date of 11 July 1944.

7 Vorschlag Nr. 4 für die Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes, with handwritten approval date of 23 August 1944. See elsewhere in this appendix for biographical data regarding Max Wünsche, as well as further references and photos throughout the main text.

8 Vorschlag Nr. 16 für die Verleihung des Deutschen Kreuzes in Gold, with handwritten approval date from the Army Personnel Office dated 25 August 1944.

9 Vorschlag Nr. 13 für die Verleihung des Deutschen Kreuzes in Gold, dated 25 July 1944 with handwritten approval date of 25 August 1944.

10 See Lehmann’s personal data. Lehmann served with the “Leibstandarte”before being recommended for his award while serving in “Hitlerjugend”, as did several other award holders.

11 Vorschlag Nr. 31 für die Verleihung des Deutschen Kreuzes in Gold, dated 8 November 1944 with handwritten approval date of 30 December 1944.

12 Pohl received both classes of the Iron Cross on 18 August 1941.

13 Vorschlag Nr. 5 für die Verleihung des Deutschen Kreuzes in Gold, with handwritten approval date of 19 August 1944.

14 Captured during the Falaise fighting on August 19, 1944, see Knight’s Cross holders section of this appendix.

15 Killed on December 17, 1944.

16 Knight’s Cross on February 13, 1944, and German Cross in Gold on November 8, 1944, as commander I./Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte”. He became ill and was succeeded by Siegel. A graduate of the original 1935 Führerschule Braunschweig class, Kuhlmann also led I./Panzer Regiment “Das Reich”. Promoted to Obersturmbannführer on January 30, 1945. Survived the war and died in South America on November 9, 1995.

17 See Knight’s Cross holders section in this appendix.

18 Born in Mangwitz on May 12, 1919, Isecke had served as an Unterscharführer with the 4./V./LSSAH in 1941. Receiving a field commission, as an Obersturmführer he served as Abteilungsadjutant of the I./SS-Panzer Regiment 1 “Leibstandarte” before moving to “Hitlerjugend.” He was captured on August 24, 1944.

19 Died on March 2, 1992.

20 Previously the IVb of the I.Abteilung of SS-Panzer Regiment 1 “Leibstandarte”, Stiawa was killed in action on August 18, 1944, in Brieux.

21 Previously with the Sanitätsabteilung of the “Leibstandarte”.

22 Previously the IVa of the Freiwilligen Legion “Niederlande”.

23 Died on May 2, 1998.

24 Previously TFKof the I.Abteilung, Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte”.

25 Born in Breslau on January 13, 1920, he had served as an Unterscharführer with the 7.Kompanie of SS-Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte” before commissioned and was killed on June 9, 1944.

26 Died on January 14, 1966.

27 Born in Vienna on April 7, 1919. Schlauß joined the SS with the Nachrichtenzug of the “Leibstandarte” in 1937. Graduated with the 2nd wartime cadet class at Junkerschule Bad Tölz. Untersturmführer August 1, 1940, Obersturmführer November 9, 1942, Hauptsturmführer June 21, 1944. 1941 adjutant of the “Leibstandarte” Nachrichtenabteilung, then Nachrichtenoffizier for the I./Panzer Regiment “Leibstandarte”. Survived the war and died in Giesshübl on May 18, 2000.

28 Having served previously with the “Leibstandarte” Panzer Regiment, he was killed on June 10, 1944, while Flak Zugführer of SS-Panzer Regiment 12.

29 Killed on December 21, 1944.

30 In a Waffen-SS Panzer Division the repair Kompanie Chef was assigned to the staff with each Abteilung normally having a Werkstattzug. He coordinated the 2 platoons in conjunction with the TFW. His title was academic in the case of “Hitlerjugend” as there was no combined Werkstatt Kompanie per sé.

31 Died in 1984.

32 Wounded August 9, 1944, see Knight’s Cross holders section in this appendix.

33 See German Cross in Gold holders section in this appendix. Wounded in the Ardennes after succeeding Jürgensen who had been injured in an accident.

34 Later commanded sSS-PanzerAbteilung 501. Died on September 30, 1951.

35 Killed on April 25, 1945.

36 Killed on June 25, 1944, near Fontenay.

37 Killed on October 12, 1944.

38 Daniel had served as a doctor with the SS-Artillerie-Ausbildungs-und Ersatz Regiment while an Untersturmführer in 1942. He came to the I.Abteilung having previously served as IVb for the III./SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 9 “Germania”. Daniel survived the war and died on August 28, 2002.

39 Survived the Normandy campaign and in 1945 was posted with the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und Ersatz Regiment.

40 Held the post prior to D-Day. Survived the Normandy campaign and in 1945 was posted with SS-Panzerjäger-Ausbildungs-und Ersatz Abteilung 2.

41 Post Normandy fighting.

42 Previously TFW of SS-Panzer Regiment 1 “Leibstandarte”.

43 Died September 9, 1999.

44 A Versorgungskompanie transported to the frontlines any supplies needed for the regiment’s troops and vehicles. Although it is confirmed only that he was assigned to it, by rank Schütz was, in all probability, its Kompanie Chef.

45 Killed September 1, 1944

46 Repair platoon commander subordinated to the Werkstattkompanie Chef who was attached to the regimental staff. This was not a consolidated Kompanie but a platoon served with each Abteilung.

47 See German Cross in Gold holders section in this appendix.

48 See German Cross in Gold holders section in this appendix. From December 1944 and previously the 2. Kompanie Chef.

49 Killed June 10, 1944.

50 See German Cross in Gold Holders section in this appendix.

51 Wounded June 3, 1944, see German Cross in Gold holders section in this appendix; later commanded the I.Abteilung.

52 Killed December 18, 1944.

53 Killed December 21, 1944.

54 In 1945 was I.Abteilung Kommandeur.

55 Joined SS with Regiment “Germania” in April 1935. Graduated 1936 cadet class of Junkerschule Braunschweig. Untersturmführer April 20, 1937, Obersturmführer January 30, 1939, Hauptsturmführer January 30, 1942. 1938 led Panzerspäh Zug “Leibstandarte”, became 6.Kompanie Chefof Panzer Regiment 1 “Leibstandarte”. Killed on June 11, 1944, in Bretteville as 4.Kompanie Chef, SS-Panzer Regiment 12.

56 See German Cross in Gold holders section in this appendix.

57 Killed on August 14, 1944, see Knight’s Cross holders section in this appendix.

58 Temporary until Siegel assumed command then resumed his post as 6.Kompanie Chef. A graduate of the 5th Wartime cadet class at Junkerschule Braunschweig, prior to being posted to “Hitlerjugend” he had served as Kompanie Chef of the 2./Panzerjäger Abteilung “Leibstandarte”.

59 Previously 8.Kompanie Chef, see Knight’s Cross holders section in this appendix.

60 Died in September 1995.

61 Wounded July 11, 1944. In 1943 served with the 4./SS Panzerjäger Abteilung 1 “Leibstandarte” then with sSS-Panzer Abteilung 101. Survived Normandy and died on February 24, 2003.

62 Injured (broken leg) on June 20, 1944, and killed in February 1945 with “Hitlerjugend”.

63 Held the post before and during the initial Normandy campaign.

64 Held the post in July 1944 and was killed in August.

65 Normally listed as the 9.Kompanie of the Regiment, Hauptsturmführer Wolf Buettner commanded that numbered Kompanie in the Ardennes. Not all the Stabskompanie commanders are known though all would have commanded the same elements. These elements included the Pionier Zug of each Abteilung after the original Panzer-Pionier-Kompanie was divided. The Flak Zug was a component as well as the platoons for signals, reconnaissance, and dispatch.

66 Died on May 6, 2001.

67 Held the post in July 1944 and later moved to the 8.Kompanie, SS-Panzer Regiment 12.

68 Killed while 5.Kompanie Chef, SS-Panzer Regiment 12, on June 27, 1944, in Cheux.

69 Still had the post during the Ardennes fighting.

70 Killed on March 11, 1945.

71 Seriously wounded on June 26, 1944, see German Cross in Gold holders section in this appendix.

72 Killed June 28, 1944.

73 Wounded July 10, 1944.

74 Previously Stabskompanie Chef, he led the Kompanie in the Ardennes and died on November 6, 1998.

75 Killed June 9, 1944.

76 Bräcker spent much of his career with the 1. SS-Infanterie Brigade (mot.). After serving as adjutant of the I./SS-Infanterie Regiment 8 he acted as adjutant for the Brigade. In 1943 he became 3.Kompanie Chef of SS-Infanterie Regiment 10. Bräcker had succeeded Obersturmführer Heinz John as 7.Kompanie Chef. Heinrich Bräcker was killed while with “Hitlerjugend” on July 17, 1944, as 7.Kompanie Chef, SS-Panzer Regiment 12.

77 Died November 1, 1983.

78 Wounded on June 27, 1944, see Knight’s Cross holders in this appendix.

79 Succeeded Siegel when he took command of the II.Abteilung.

Appendix III¹

Assignment of Tactical Numbers to SS-Panzer Regiment 12, January 1944

Appendix II/4 to Action Report, SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Duplicate

12.SS-Panzer-Division “Hitlerjugend”O.U., 4 January 1944

SS-Panzer-Regiment 12

Ia Is / Schm. Br. Tgb.Nr.14/44 geh.

Distribution: See draft

20 copies

17th copy

Re: Assignment of tactical numbers

Below are the tactical numbers for the tanks of the Regimental Staff, the I. and II. Abteilu ngen.

After the tanks are painted with new camouflage colours the numerals are to be applied according to the following specifications:

Dimensions: Height	35cm Width 22cm
Type of Numerals:	Numerals with the margins painted. Width of the margin 1cm, centre of the numeral open 4cm.2
Colour:	Black
Location:	Centre of each side of the turret and rear of turret.

Tactical Numbers:

a) Rgt.-Stab:	Rgt.-Kommandeur	055
	Rgt.-Adjutant	054
	Ordonnanz-Offz.	053
	Aufklärungszug	056-060
b) I.Abteilung
Rgt.-Stab	Kommandeur	155
	Adjutant	154
	Nachr.Offz.	153
	Aufklärungszug	156-160

1.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	105
Kp.-Truppfhr	104
1.Zug/Zugf.	115
	116-119
2.Zug/Zugf.	125 126-129
3.Zug/Zugf.	135 136-139
4.Zug/Zugf.	145 146-149

2.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	205
Kp.-Truppfhr	204
1.Zug/Zugf.	215 216-219
2.Zug/Zugf.	225 226-229
3.Zug/Zugf.	235 236-239
4.Zug/Zugf.	245 246-249

3.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	305
Kp.-Truppfhr	304
1.Zug/Zugf.	315 316-319
2.Zug/Zugf.	325 326-329
3.Zug/Zugf.	335 336-339
4.Zug/Zugf.	345 346-349

4.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	405
Kp.-Truppfhr	404
1.Zug/Zugf.	415 416-419
2.Zug/Zugf.	425 426-429
3.Zug/Zugf.	435 436-439
4.Zug/Zugf.	445 446-449

II.Abteilung

Rgt.-Stab	Kommandeur	555
	Adjutant	554
	Nachr.Offz.	553
	Aufklärungszug	556-560

5.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	505
Kp.-Truppfhr	504
1.Zug/Zugf.	515 516-519
2.Zug/Zugf.	525 526-529
3.Zug/Zugf.	535 536-539
4.Zug/Zugf.	545 546-549

6.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	605
Kp.-Truppfhr	604
1.Zug/Zugf.	615 616-619
2.Zug/Zugf.	625 626-629
3.Zug/Zugf.	635 636-639
4.Zug/Zugf.	645 646-649

7.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	705
Kp.-Truppfhr	704
1.Zug/Zugf.	715 716-719
2.Zug/Zugf.	725 726-729
3.Zug/Zugf.	735 736-739
4.Zug/Zugf.	745 746-749

8.Kp.:

Kp.-Führer	805
Kp.-Truppfhr	804
1.Zug/Zugf.	815 816-819
2.Zug/Zugf.	825 826-829
3.Zug/Zugf.	835 836-839
4.Zug/Zugf.	845 846-849

signed Prinz

SS-Sturmbannführer and

deputy Rgt.-Kommandeur

1 Translated by Dr Frederick P. Steinhardt.

2 In other words, outline numerals with the outline 1cm wide and the interior (non-painted space) 4cm (total width of the numeral: 6cm: edge, space, edge).

Appendix IV

Tanks assigned to SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 1 January-30 April 1944

Appendix__to Action Report SS-Panzer Regiment 12

List

of tanks assigned to the Regiment during the period 1.1.1944 to 30.4.1944

Appendix V

Weapons inventory of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 30 April 1944

Appendix_____to Action Report of SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Weapons inventory of the Regiment

Date: 30.4.1944

As of 30.4.44 the Regiment had the following inventory of weapons:

Type:	Quantity:
KwK 30 (Pz.Kpfw. II)	6
KwK L/24 (Pz.Kpfw. IV short gun version)	1
KwK L/43 (Pz.Kpfw. IV long gun version)	3
KwK L/48 (Pz.Kpfw. IV long gun version)	90
KwK L/70 (Pz.Kpfw. V Panther)	26
2cm Quadruple Flak	3
Flak 38	18
Machine-guns	326
Submachine guns	249
Rifles	1650
08 and 38 Pistols	1496
Bayonets	919

Appendix VI

Allied aircraft shot down by the 2cm anti-aircraft guns of SS-Panzer Regiment 12, 10 May–3 August 1944

Appendix VII

Tank strength of SS-Panzer Regiment 12 1 June-11 August 1944¹

1 Zetterling, pp.360–361.

Appendix VIII

Total losses of I./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 in Panther tanks 7 June-4 September 1944

Appendix IX

Allied tanks knocked out by II./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, 7 June–9 August 1944

Appendix X

Battle casualties of the Stab of SS-Panzer Regiment 12, 7 June–27 September 1944¹

1 See Meyer, p.386.

Appendix XI

Battle casualties of I./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, 7 June–31 October 1944¹

1 See Meyer, p. 386.

Appendix XII

Battle casualties of II./SS-Panzer Regiment 12, 7 June–20 October 1944¹

1 See Meyer, p.386.

Appendix XIII

Effectiveness of the armoured fighting vehicles of 12.SS-Panzer Division related to Allied operations 7 June-16 August 1944

Appendix XIV

Summarised report of enemy tanks and other weapons knocked out by SS-Panzer Regiment 12 7 June-1 September 1944 (report dated 17 October 1944)

12.SS-Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend”Regimental Command Post, 17.10.1944

SS-Panzer Regiment 12

Ia Br.Tgb.Nr./44

Re. Number of victories

With reference to: 12.SS-Pz.Div. “HJ” – Special instructions in relation to Ic (intelligence)

Nr 14 from 14.10.1944. Fig. 1

As of: 18.10.1944

To the

12.SS-Pz.Div. “Hitlerjugend”

Abt. Ic

[Publishers’ note – for ease of reference the typed list has been reproduced in tabular form and totals added to calculate daily amounts and total amounts by type of vehicle/weapon.]

Appendix XV

Allied tanks knocked out by the Panthers of I./SS-Panzer Regiment 12 8 June-1 September 1944

Appendix XVI

Supply of new tanks for SS-Panzer Regiment 12 during the combat in Normandy 6 July-29 August 1944¹

Date of combat readiness	Unit	Number of new tanks received
06. 07. 1944	3./SS-Panzer Regiment 12	13 + 1 Panthers1
16. 07. 1944	7./SS-Panzer Regiment 12	17 Panzer IVs
19. 08. 1944	4./SS-Panzer Regiment 12	14 Panthers
29. 08. 1944	1./SS-Panzer Regiment 12	7 Panthers
Total		52 tanks

Notes

1 Of these only 13 Panthers were new. The fourteenth tank was presumably a “used” tank handed in by 4.Kompanie/SS-Panzer Regiment 12.

1 According to SS-Panzer Regiment 12 s own KTB.

Appendix XVII¹

Movement orders for 12.SS-Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” and SS-Panzer Regiment 12, 26 August 1944

19. Appendix to War Diary No. : 3

12.SS-Pz.Div. “Hitlerjugend”

SS-Panzer Regiment 12Regimental Command Post, 26 August, 1944

Abstract from Division Order

from 26 August, 1944: War Diary No.: 1/44, Secret, Confidential Military Document, 26 August, 1944

1.)	The division, minus Kampfgruppe “Mohnke” and Kampfgruppe “Waldmüller” is to transfer for refitting to the area:
	Montcornet (exclusive) – Vervins (exclusive) – La Capelle (exclusive) – Forêt de St. Michel (northeast of Hirson) – Aubenton – Bay (10 kilometers northeast of Rozoy)
2.)	The formations are assigned to the following assembly areas:
	SS-Panzer Regiment 12 and SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12:
	Courteval – along the road to the north as far as Landouzy-la-Ville (inclusive) – La Herie (inclusive) Origny (exclusive) – La Bouteille (inclusive) – Themailles (exclusive) – Marigny (inclusive) – Jeantes (esclusive).
3.)	In the evening of 26 August, 1944, the division is to reach the new assembly area by two days’ marches. By early on 27 August, 1944, it is to cross the line Guiscard – Ham –Perones to the east. If the weather is clear, movement is only to be by night. Non-operational vehicles or issued equipment, which cannot be taken along, is to be shuttled to the new assembly area.
4.)	Guide and main axis of movement is the Breteuil – Montdidier – Nesle – Ham – St. Quentin – Vervins – Landouzy-la-Ville highway. Movement on byroads is expedient.
	Local reconnaissance of roads and rest areas is to be conducted.
	March sequence is:
	Logistic elements, III.Bataillon / SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 26, I.Bataillon /SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 26, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12, SS-Flak-Abteilung 12 on the southern road, which is to be independently reconnoitered.
	Logistic elements, SS-Panzer Regiment 12, SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 12, SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 25, SS-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 12 on the northern road, which is to be independently reconnoitered.
	Signposting by Panzer-Regiment 12 (Wünsche)
	From : Vervins
	Division staff, SS-Panzer-Nachrichten-Abteilung 12, Divisionsbegleitkompanie on above-named main road. During the course of the movement the formations are to maintain direct contact with one another.
5.)	Every driver is to be familiarized with march objectives and routes. The division’s advance message centre will be established by the Ia [operations officer] in Ham at the local commander’s office [Ortskommandantur]. . Sign to be posted: Meldekopf Buchsein.
6.)	Military police company is to control traffic through Montdidier – Roye – Ham – St. Quentin – and Origny.
7.)	Division command headquarters will be in Sargus until 0500 hours on 27 August 1944. Effective 2000 hours on 27 August, 1944 in Hirson. Arrival of formations is to be reported immediately.
	signed Meyer
	SS-Oberführer
	accuracy of above attested by:
	signed Jürgensen
	SS-Sturmbannführer and Commander
	Supplement Panzer-Regiment 12:
1.	The elements are to take care that all stragglers will be collected as rapidly as possible and the elements brought up.
2.	The unit commanders are to be personally responsible for carrying this out.
3.	Transfer:
	The route of march, as given in the above order, is to be given to every driver in writing.
	The column commander is to take care that, during the movement, no new straggling takes place.
	Special emphasis is to be placed on maintenance of discipline and proper uniform during the movement.
4.	All unit commanders are to be personally responsible to me for the smooth course of the movement. Arrival in the new area is immediately to be reported by the Abteilungen and regimental elements.
	The Commander, SS-Panzer Regiment 12
	signed Jürgensen
	SS-Sturmban nführer

1 Translated by Dr Frederick P. Steinhardt.

Appendix XVIII¹

Officers of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

The primary known officers of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 are listed below just prior to D-Day. As with all such personnel list completeness is impossible, both due to the standard record keeping of the day and shifting of positions. Less senior posts were often not listed, the Abteilung having further men commanding at platoon (Zug) level. Those missing in action, for whom no fate is known – if indeed they survived the conflict – as well as those killed but never identified, further inhibits the completeness of such lists. Elsewhere in this appendix is a second list covering the same period through the end of the war, showing further losses during the Ardennes and late war combats before “Hitlerjugend” surrendered in 1945.

SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

Abteilungskommandeur	Sturmbannführer Hans-Jakob Hanreich
Adjutant	Obersturmführer Heinrich Winkler
Nachrichtenoffizier	Obersturmführer Gerd Siegert
1.Kompanie Chef	Obersturmführer Georg Hurdelbrink
2.Kompanie Chef	Obersturmführer Günther Gornik
3.Kompanie Chef	Hauptsturmführer Günther Wöst

Knight’s Cross Holders of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

Fritz Eckstein: November 18, 1944, Rottenführer, Richtschütze, 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

Georg Hurdelbrink: October 16, 1944, Obersturmführer, Kompanie Führer, 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

Rudolf Roy: October 16, 1944, Oberscharführer, Zugführer, 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

Fritz Eckstein: Born in Schwaikheim on January 27, 1923, and joined the Hitler Youth in May 1933. Volunteered for the Waffen-SS in the spring of 1940 and assigned to 2./Der Führer on June 6, 1940. Transferred to the “Leibstandarte” and became a Sturmmann on August 1, 1940, then a Rottenführer on June 1, 1942. After being wounded assigned to SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 1 of the “Leibstandarte.” Assigned to “Hitlerjugend” with the heavy 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12. Eckstein served as the gunner in Knight’s Cross holder Rudolf Roy’s vehicle and destroyed a total of 26 enemy armoured vehicles in a five day period. Promoted to Unterscharführer on November 1, 1944, Eckstein was recommended for the German Cross in Gold by then SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 commander Hauptsturmführer Günther Wöst on November 8, 1944. Eckstein died on April 4, 1979, in his home town.

Recommendation of Rottenführer Fritz Eckstein, 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, for the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

The commander of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 at the time, Hauptsturmführer Günther Wöst, wrote the proposal requesting the Knight’s Cross be awarded to for Fritz Eckstein.² With Eckstein serving as a gunner, Wöst’s 8 November 1944 recommendation reads as follows:

SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12Abteilung Command Post, 8 November 1944

Rottenführer Eckstein was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class for his outstanding courage in the attack on an enemy armoured formation at St. Aignan-de-Cramesnil. There he alone knocked out eight enemy tanks.

In the morning of 9 August, 1944, enemy tanks broke through the main line of resistance, held as a chain of strong points, into the rear of Kampfgruppe “Waldmüller.”3 From Hill E 111 they controlled all supply routes.

A Panzerjäger 39, with Rottenführer Eckstein as its gunner, engaged the numerically superior enemy armour. Despite the extremely difficult circumstances Rottenführer Eckstein knocked out nine English tanks. That made it possible for supplies to again be brought to the Kampfgruppe.

As dusk fell an enemy armoured formation attacked the withdrawing Kampfgruppe by surprise. Eckstein knocked out four of the attacking tanks. The Kampfgruppe was able to conduct the withdrawal without losses.

On this day Rottenführer Eckstein alone destroyed 13 enemy tanks. Within five days he raised his tally to 26 English tanks knocked out.

(Signed) [Günther] Wöst

Hauptsturmführer and Abt.Kdr.

12.SS-Pz.Div. “Hitlerjugend”

This recommendation is endorsed for the absent Division Commander

(Signed) [Hubert] Meyer

Sturmbannführer and General Staff Officer

SS-Panzerarmeeoberkommando 6Army Headquarters, 8 November, 1944

This recommendation is forwarded

(Signed) [Josef] Dietrich

SS-Oberstgruppenführer und Panzergeneraloberst der Waffen-SS

Georg Hurdelbrink: Born in Altenmelle on October 6, 1919, and a member of the Hitler Youth during May 1933 to mid-November 1936. Joined the SS on November 15, 1936, with SS-Totenkopfstandarte “Ostfriesland” and in April 1939 attached to SS-Schule Wewelsburg. October 1939 moved to “Totenkopf” Division with an infantry regiment then in August 1940 transferred to the “Leibstandarte”. There served with the 3./V./LSSAH and took the 5th wartime reserve officer candidate class at Junkerschule Bad Tölz from November 1941 to January 30, 1942. Assigned to SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 1 “Leibstandarte”, and commissioned Untersturmführer d.R. April 20, 1942. Promoted to Obersturmführer d.R. on November 9, 1943, moved to “Hitlerjugend” as Kompanie Chef of the heavy 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12. As an Obersturmführer was in command of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 by January 1945. Recommended for the German Cross in Gold by Hauptsturmführer Günther Wöst, then commander of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12. Iron Cross 2nd Class March 8, 1943, Iron Cross 1st Class August 11, 1944, Panzer Assault Badge March 23, 1943, War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords December 14, 1940. Survived the war and died on August 26, 2002.

The commander of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, Hauptsturmführer Günther Wöst, recommended George Hurdelbrink for his Knight’s Cross. That proposal, seconded by temporary divisional commander Hubert Meyer and Josef “Sepp” Dietrich, was submitted on 2 September 1944 and reads as follows:⁴

On 8 August 1944, at 1130 hours, the1.(schwere [heavy] Kompanie of Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 (“Hitlerjugend”), under Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink, was attached by the commander of Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 to Kampfgruppe “Prinz”, with the mission of advancing together with the tanks of the Kampfgruppe.

1st objective : St. Aignan.

2nd objective: Garcelles [-Secqueville].

The attack began at 11:50 hours. The company advanced rapidly, enveloping the Le Mesnil-Robert farmstead from the right and thrust into the village of St. Aignan from the east. Six enemy tanks were knocked out in so doing. During this time enemy armour assembled 1½ kilometers east of St. Aignan. As soon as it was identified, by order of Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink, it was successfully taken under fire from the hill and from the hollow, whereby 18 enemy tanks were destroyed. The remaining tanks fled. Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink and another Panzerjäger thrust on past the village, whereby Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink knocked out five more tanks at the northern edge of the village. The positions attained were held until 2200 hours. Enemy anti-tank and infantry fire from the left flank then became so intense that the Kompanie was forced to withdraw, bringing all its wounded, along with Infanterie Bataillon “Waldmüller,” via Sylvain-le Bû to Soignolles. On this day Kompanie Hurdelbrink knocked out 29 tanks, of which the company commander, Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink, destroyed 11.

9 August, 1944:

Bataillon “Waldmüller”, to which the 1.(schwere) Kompanie of Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 “Hitlerjugend” was attached, was assigned the mission of taking position by 0550 hours on the high ground south of Renemesnil. Even before reaching the position the battalion was attacked by enemy armour. The 1.Kompanie immediately defended and then took over securing the further advance of the battalion. Throughout the entire day the positions were under heavy artillery, mortar and infantry fire. At about 2200 hours Bataillon “Waldmüller” intended to break contact with the enemy. In the midst of this withdrawal, enemy armour advanced by surprise toward the village of Soignolles. Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink immediately recognized the threat. Along with another Panzerjäger, he attacked the enemy in the flank and destroyed all but two of the enemy tanks. Those took flight and escaped. On that day the company destroyed 22 enemy tanks.

Recommendation of Obersturmführer Georg Hurdelbrink, Kompanie Führer, 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, for the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Recommendation of Obersturmführer Georg Hurdelbrink, Kompanie Führer, 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, for the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

10 August, 1944:

The 1.(schwere) Kompanie of Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 “Hitlerjugend” was attached to Panzer Regiment 12 “Hitlerjugend”. In the morning hours at Maizières it was assigned the mission of shifting via Potigny to the fork in the road 1.5 kilometers east of Fontaine [le Pin]. From there it was ordered to take position on Hill 195 to secure to the north. Six Sturmgeschütze and six P 4 Fernlenkpanzer (radio controlled tanks) were attached to Kompanie Hurdelbrink. After reaching the fork in the road it was determined that Hill 195 was already held by enemy armour. Obersturmbannführer Wünsche, commander of Panzer Regiment 12 “Hitlerjugend” thereupon ordered an immediate attack on the hill. Initially the Kampfgruppe made good forward progress without receiving enemy fire. The sudden onset of heavy enemy protective fire then prevented any further frontal advance. Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink decided to have the six Sturmgeschütze fix the enemy from the front, while two Panzerjäger 39, including Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink, advanced to envelop the enemy from the right. After a rapid advance the two Panzerjäger attacked the slowly withdrawing enemy in the flank and were able to destroy all the enemy tanks. The Kampfgruppe then went into position so that it was able to hold Hill 195. On this day the company knocked out 13 tanks, ten of which were destroyed by Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink.

Thanks to the outstanding leadership of the company by Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink, the company was able to destroy 86 tanks between 8 August and 16 August, 1944. Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink, himself, accounted for 36 of these.

(Signed) [Günther] Wöst

Hauptsturmführer and Abt.Kdr.

Because of his outstanding courage and large number of enemy tanks destroyed, I recommend that Obersturmführer Hurdelbrink be awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

(Signed) [Hubert] Meyer

For the absent Division Commander

the First General Staff Officer

Sturmbannführer

The Commander in Chief

Panzerarmeeoberkommando 6

Endorsed:

O.U., 28 September, 1944

(Signed) [Josef] Dietrich

Oberstgruppenführer and

Panzergeneraloberst der Waffen-SS

Rudolf Roy: Born in Berlin August 15, 1920, and joined SS November 1938. With 1./Ersatz Bataillon “LSSAH” then Panzerjäger Kompanie and finally SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 1 “LSSAH”. Promoted Unterscharführer January 30, 1943, and Oberscharführer July 1, 1944. To “Hitlerjugend” as heavy self-propelled anti-tank commander in 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12. Received field commission as Untersturmführer d.R. November 9, 1944, and Zugführer 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12. Iron Cross 2nd Class August 21, 1941, Iron Cross 1st Class September 16, 1943, Tank Assault Badge in Silver February 21, 1942, and Eastern Front Medal August 30, 1942. Killed in Hollerath on December 17, 1944.

As an Oberscharführer and vehicle commander with the 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, Rudolf Roy was proposed for the Knight’s Cross by Hauptsturmführer Günther Wöst. Hubert Meyer, Ia of the division and temporary divisional commander, seconded and then submitted the award on 2 September 1944. Their proposal text reads as follows:⁵

In the early dawn of 9 August 1944, enemy armour penetrated the line of strongpoints that constituted the main line of resistance at Soignolles into the rear of Kampfgruppe “Waldmüller” and controlled all supply routes from Hill 111.

Oberscharführer Roy was ordered to attack and destroy the enemy armour with his Panzerjäger 39. With nimble-minded zeal, Roy attacked the armour and, within a short time, knocked out nine English tanks. In so doing he provided the prerequisites for the withdrawal that was ordered for that evening.

As the Kampfgruppe started the withdrawal, as ordered, at about 2130 hours, enemy armour thrust by surprise into the midst of the Kampfgruppe from the village of Soignolles. On his own initiative, Oberscharführer Roy attacked them in the flank. Only two of the 15 attacking enemy tanks were able to escape in flight.

Oberscharführer Roy knocked out 13 enemy tanks that day. Within five days he knocked out 26, raising his total to 36 English and Russian tanks destroyed.

(Signed) [Günther] Wöst

Hauptsturmführer and Abt.Kdr.

Because of his unusually courageous action and the large number of enemy tanks he has knocked out, I recommend Oberscharführer Roy for the award of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

For the absent Division Commander

the First General Staff Officer

(signed) [Hubert] Meyer

Sturmbannführer

German Cross in Gold Holders of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

Georg Mack: November 18, 1944, Hauptscharführer, SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12

Recommendation of Oberscharführer Rudolf Roy, 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, for the Knight’s Cross. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Georg Mack: Joined SS-Verfügungstruppe October 1, 1938, at age 19 with Totenkopf verbände and assigned to “Oberbayern”. Prewar moved to “Leibstandarte” and with Panzerjäger Kompanie then Panzerjäger Abteilung. Moved to “Hitlerjugend” as a gun commander SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, more than 20 kills by time of German Cross in Gold proposal. Iron Cross 2nd Class and Iron Cross 1st class. Eventual fate unknown.

As commander of the 1./SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, Obersturmführer Georg Hurdelbrink proposed Georg Mack for the German Cross in Gold. Submitted on 15 September 1944, its text was as follows:⁶

SS-Hauptscharführer Mack was awarded the Iron Cross, 1st Class, on 8 March 1943, for his outstanding bravery in the defensive and offensive fighting in the Kharkov area from January to April 1943.

In the fighting north of Belgorod, during the period from 6 to 16 July 1943, Mack supported the infantry that was breaking through the deeply organized Russian position with his platoon of 7.5cm anti-tank guns. As the result of his flexible leadership the platoon destroyed six T-34s north of Lutschki. Mack himself knocked out two enemy AFVs. Despite his wounds (shell fragments in the back) Mack chose to remain with the company throughout the fighting.

When the Leibstandarte SS “Adolf Hitler” was in action in Italy in 1943, Mack was employed fighting partisans in Istria. As commander of a small Kampfgruppe he played an outstanding role in the destruction of numerous partisan bands and equipment. Frequently, and often alone, he consistently carried out the missions assigned. Once, when the Kampfgruppe was attacked by partisans as it moved forward on a sunken road, it was only thanks to the courageous and stalwart conduct of Mack that the partisans were repulsed and, for the most part, wiped out.

In the fighting in the Zhitomir area from November to December 1943, Mack and his platoon were with SS-Panzer-Grenadier Regiment 1, Leibstandarte SS “Adolf Hitler”. Always advancing with the spearhead of the attack, Mach played a major part in making it possible to reach the Kiev-Zhitomir highway at Kotscherovo, thereby cutting off the Russian supply traffic. During this action Mack knocked out one T-34.

In the attack east of Korosten, Mack knocked out two T-34s in extremely difficult conditions on 21 December 1943 at Peremoga. While overrunning an enemy trench he put two anti-tank rifles out of action at extremely close range.

On 24 December 1943, under cover of dusk, enemy armoured spearheads penetrated into a locality where Mach and his platoon were quartered. Mack immediately pulled his men together, wiped out the mounted infantry in hand-to-hand fighting and attached a magnetic hollow-charge, which unfortunately failed to detonate, to a T-34. Two of the enemy tanks were destroyed.

In the defensive fighting in the Berdichev area Mack was one of the last that were still in contact with the enemy. When the Russians repeatedly attacked Ossykova in regimental strength with armoured support on 1 and 2 January 1944, they were repeatedly repulsed by the steadfastness of Mack’s platoon. Four T-34s were destroyed.

On the Invasion Front Mack excelled in his courage, bravery and circumspection. On 8 August 1944, as point-gun for the company, he led the advance. After thrusting through the enemy infantry positions, he was the first to run into an enemy armoured formation of about 30 tanks on the march. He immediately reported the enemy armour and engaged the manifold superior enemy armoured force. Mack’s vehicle was knocked out by an enemy tank on his flank. Despite his own extremely serious wounds he saved his wounded gunner from the Panzerjäger 39, which immediately burst into flame.

Hauptscharführer Mack has had his Panzerjäger shot out from under him four times. He has always immediately climbed into another vehicle so that he could continue to lead his platoon in the battle. Thanks to his exemplary, unselfish conduct he has repeatedly carried his platoon forward, overcome crises and provided all the non-commissioned officers and men with a brilliant example as an unflagging daredevil with his extraordinary fighting spirit.

With his platoon of self-propelled 7.5cm anti-tank guns, Hauptscharführer Mack has, to date, destroyed 21 enemy tanks.

(Signed) [Georg] Hurdelbrink

Obersturmführer and Kompanie-Führer

Recommendation of Hauptscharführer Georg Mack, SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

Recommendation of Hauptscharführer Georg Mack, SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, for the German Cross in Gold. Document appears courtesy of Mark C. Yerger.

SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 1944-1945

For reasons stated elsewhere in the appendix a complete listing of all officers of any late war formations such “Hitlerjugend” fighting in the West, especially in the final months of the war, is nigh-on impossible. Many having served with the “Leibstandarte”, the officer cadre of both units in this study suffered grievously in the less than a year between the start of the Normandy fighting and the end of the war. The following are known to have held the posts indicated and are in sequential order.

Hans-Jakob Hanreich7	Sturmbannführer	Kommandeur
Günther Wöst8	Hauptsturmführer	Kommandeur
Karl Brockschmidt9	Hauptsturmführer	Kommandeur
Georg Hurdelbrink10	Obersturmführer	Kommandeur
Heinrich Winkler11	Obersturmführer	Adjutant
Hans-Egon Schmid12	Untersturmführer	Adjutant
Theo Rabe	Obersturmführer	Adjutant
Karl-Heinz Probst	Untersturmführer	Adjutant
Karl Roeseler13	Obersturmführer	Verwaltungsführer (IVa)
Dr. Karl Wotke	Hauptsturmführer	Abteilungsarzt (IVb)
Karl aus der Wiesche	Obersturmführer	TFK
Bruno Gill	Untersturmführer	TFW
Heinrich Winkler14	Obersturmführer	Stabskompanie Chef
Gerd Siegert	Hauptsturmführer	Nachrichten Zugführer
Kuno Huber15	Untersturmführer	Nachrichten Zugführer

1.Kompanie

Georg Hurdelbrink16	Obersturmführer	1.Kompanie Chef
Helmut Zeiner	Obersturmführer	1.Kompanie Chef

2.Kompanie

Günther Gornik	Obersturmführer	2.Kompanie Chef
Johann Wachter17	Obersturmführer	2.Kompanie Chef

3.Kompanie

Günther Wöst18

Hauptsturmführer

3.Kompanie Chef

1 Award recommendation documents translated by Dr Frederick P. Steinhardt. This Appendix also includes biographical data relating to several award holders who were not officers.

2 The proposal is a field typed document, the staff not having a normal pre-printed form and thus lacking a cover. It was approved by Hubert Meyer (1.Generalstabsofficier) and counter approved by SS-Panzerarmeeoberkommando 6 commander Sepp Dietrich (also on 8 November 1944) before being forwarded to the Army’s Personnel Office. Wöst’s name is incorrectly typed as Woest in the original document.

3 See Chapter 8 Footnote 10 and photo for data on Knight’s Cross holder Hans Waldmüller, the commander of the Kampfgruppe.

4 Vorschlag Nr. 8 für die Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes, signed for submission by Meyer with approval date of 16 October 1944. Meyer, also the 1.Generalstabsoffizier of the division, had been awarded the German Cross in Gold with the “Leibstandarte” on 6 May 1943.

5 Vorschlag Nr. 9 for die Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes, with handwritten approval date of 16 October 1944.

6 Vorschlag Nr. 27 für die Verleihung des Deutschen Kreuzes in Gold, signed for submission by Hubert Meyer with handwritten approval date of 28 November 1944.

7 Captured in August 1944, died September 29, 1987.

8 He wrote Georg Hurdelbrink’s German Cross proposal, confirming him as Hanreich’s successor.

9 An Army transfer from the Oberkommando des Heeres and still in command during the Ardennes fighting.

10 See Knight’s Cross holders section, previously 1.Kompanie Chef.

11 Previously adjutant of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 1 “Leibstandarte”. Adjutant until August 1944 when he became Stabskompanie Chef.

12 Confirmed adjutant in August 1944 as Winkler’s successor.

13 Killed on May 26, 1944.

14 Previously adjutant of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 1 “Leibstandarte”, later became Stabskompanie Chef of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 “Hitlerjugend”. The Stabskompanie controlled the reconnaissance, dispatch, anti-aircraft, engineer, and signals platoons though only the Zugführer for the latter has been found.

15 By September 1944.

16 Moved to command of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12.

17 Wounded August 11, 1944, and killed on December 19, 1944.

18 In August 1944 became Kommandeur of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12, it is unknown who directly succeeded him.

Appendix XIX

Allied armoured fighting vehicles knocked out by the Jagdpanzer IVs of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12¹

1 Vojenský Historický Archiv, Praha (Military History Archives, Prague), Anlagen zum KTB der SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 “Hitlerjugend”, Panzer-Abschußlisten.

Appendix XX

Battle casualties of SS-Panzerjäger Abteilung 12 in Normandy, August 1944