| Ludwig Köchle | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 February 1921 Nofels, Austria |
| Died | Killed in action 9 June 1942 Lake Ilmen, Russia |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Waffen SS |
| Years of service | 1938–1942 |
| Rank | Oberscharführer |
| Unit | 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class Eastern Front Medal Infantry Assault Badge in Silver Wound Badge in Black Sudetenland Medal Wehrmacht Dienstauszeichnung |
Ludwig Köchle (also known as "Bunkerknacker") was a Oberscharführer, 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.
Ludwig Köchle was born on the 28 February 1921 in Nofels, Austria. He volunteered to join the SS in 1938 and took part in the occupation of the Sudetenland. During 1941 he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in July and the 1st class award in November. His award of the Knight's Cross was on the 28 February 1942, when an Oberscharführer, in the 1st Company, 1st SS Infantry Regiment, SSTotenkopf. Which was part of Army Group North on the Eastern Front.
Köchle was killed in action on the 9 June 1942 near Polizo southwest of Lake Ilmen when he received a direct hit from an artillery shell.[1]