Gerhard Fischer (Waffen SS)

Gerhard Fischer
Born 12 November 1922
Zwickau, Germany
Died 1 January 2013 (aged 90)
Bad Berleburg, Germany
Allegiance Nazi Germany Nazi Germany
Service/branch Waffen SS
Years of service 1939–45
Rank Oberscharführer
Unit 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
Panzer Assault Badge in Silver 50
General Assault Badge
Eastern Front Medal 1941/42
Wound Badge

Gerhard Fischer (12 November 1922 – 1 January 2013)[1] was an 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.

Early life

Fischer was born on the 12 November 1922 in Zwickau.

World War II

Fischer volunteered for the SS-VT and was posted to the 5th SS Division Wiking. He served as a platoon commander in the 3rd Battery, 5th SS Panzerjäger Battalion. He was awarded the Knight's Cross during the Battle of Cherkassy when the Division was encircled by the Soviet troops. With his platoon, only consisting of two vehicles, he forced a breach in the Soviet line which allowed the Division to withdraw.

References

Further reading

  • Alman, Karl (2008). Panzer vor - Die dramtische Geschichte der deutschen Panzerwaffe und ihre tapferen Soldaten (in German). Würzburg, Germany: Flechsig Verlag. ISBN 978-3-88189-638-2.
  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 – Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
  • Mitcham, Jr.Samuel (2007). Retreat to the Reich. Stackpole books. ISBN 0-8117-3384-X
  • Henschler Henri & Fay Will (2003). Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS. 1943-45 Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-2905-2
  • Mitcham Samuel (2007). The German Defeat in the East, 1944-45. Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-3371-8