Oskar Drexler

Oskar Drexler
Born 9 March 1911
Nuremberg, Germany
Died 28 January 1982
Allegiance  Nazi Germany
Service/branch Waffen-SS
Years of service 1934–1945
Rank Obersturmbannführer
Unit 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich
12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross I Class
Iron Cross II Class
German Cross in Gold
Sudetenland Medal
Anschluss Medal

Oskar Drexler (9 March 1911 – 28 January 1982) was a Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the Waffen SS during World War II. He 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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Early life

Drexler was born on 9 March 1911, in Nuremberg, Germany. He volunteered to join the SS-VT and was selected to become an officer getting his commission in 1935. He took part in the Anschluss of Austria and the occupation of the Sudetenland in 1938.[1][2][3]

World War II

In World War II he served in the SS Das Reichh Division eventually becoming the commander of the II.Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Artillery Regiment, he was transferred to the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend in command of the 12th SS Panzer Artillery Regiment.[1][2]

He was awarded the Knight's Cross near the end of the war on 6 May 1945, an immediate award by the commander of the 6th SS Panzer Army Sepp Dietrich.[1][2][3]

Post war

Drexler survived the war and died on 28 January 1982.[1][2][3]

References

Further reading

  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas, 2000. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
  • Mitcham, Jr.Samuel, Retreat to the Reich, Stackpole books 2007. ISBN 081173384X
  • Henschler Henri & Fay Will, Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS, 1943-45 Stackpole Books, 2003. ISBN 0811729052
  • Mitcham Samuel, The German Defeat in the East, 1944-45,Stackpole Books, 2007. ISBN 0811733718
  • Meyer Hubert, The 12th SS: The History of the Hitler Youth Panzer Division, Stackpole Books, 2005.ISBN 0811731987
  • Reynolds, Michael (1997). Steel Inferno: I SS Panzer Corps in Normandy. Spellmount. ISBN 1873376901