| Erich Zepper | |
|---|---|
Erich Zepper |
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| Born | 27 November 1915 Sebnitz, Germany |
| Died | 28 July 2005 (aged 89) Beilstein |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Waffen SS |
| Years of service | 1937–1945 |
| Rank | Untersturmführer |
| Unit | SS-VT 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class Close Combat Clasp in Bronze Infantry Assault Badge in Silver Wound Badge Eastern Front Medal 1941/42 Anschluss Medal Sudetenland Medal |
Erich Zepper was a Untersturmführer (2nd Lieutenant) in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
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Erich Zepper was born on the 27 November 1915 in Sebnitz. He joined the Reichswehr, then the Labour Service (Arbeitsdienst) and in 1937, he volunteered to join the SS-VT and took part in the Anschluss of Austria and the annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938.[1][2]
Zepper was posted to the newly formed SS Division Wiking and sent to the Eastern Front for Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in August and the Iron Cross 1st class in December 1941. He was awarded the Knight's Cross in December 1943, for his actions in the Dnieper sector in October 1943. The Russians attempted to build a bridgehead in the area of Kanev which threatened the whole Wiking SS corps. Acting Company commander Oberscharführer (Technical Sergeant) Zepper, on his own initiative, made a daring attack with his company which prevented the Russians from getting a foothold and was the basis for the later success of the Corps. A large number of machine guns, anti-tank guns, infantry weapons and other military material was captured and heavy losses inflicted on the Russians.[3][4]
Erich Zepper was a prisoner of war in October 1944 and held in British captivity until his release in 1948. He died on the 28 July 2005, in Beilstein.[5][6][7]