Walter Kniep
| Walter Kniep | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
13 December 1909 Lorenzen, East Prussia |
| Died |
22 April 1944 (aged 34) Thouars, France |
| Allegiance |
.svg.png){kind=small} Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch |
 Waffen-SS |
| Years of service | 1939–44 |
| Rank | Sturmbannführer |
| Unit |
2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class German Cross in Gold Infantry Assault Badge |
Walter Kniep (13 December 1909 — 22 April 1944) was a Sturmbannführer (Major), in the Waffen-SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Walter Kniep was born in East Prussia on the 13 December 1909, he volunteered to join the SS and was selected to become an officer. His first command was the 3rd Company, SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Der Führer in 1941. He went on to command the III. Battalion, SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Deutschland both part of the Das Reich Division.[1]
In 1942 he took over command of the 2nd SS Sturmgeschütz (assault gun) Battalion. Kniep was awarded the Knight’s Cross in 1944.[2]
He was given command of the 17th SS Panzer Regiment, 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen.
Walter Kniep was killed in an accident on the 22 April 1944 at Thouars in France, when he was accidentally shot during training when a soldier was unloading a Luger pistol.[1]
References
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000) [1986]. 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, Samuel W (2007). Retreat to the Reich : the German defeat in France, 1944. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-3384-7.
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