Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 24th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 6th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Schreiber-Obergefreiter

Unit:

Einmanntorpedofahrer in der Kl.Kampf-Flottille 361

Awarded on:

July 6th, 1944

Awarded the Knight’s Cross for allegedly sinking the British cruiser ‘HMS Dragon’ during WWII. There exists postwar dispute as to whether it was actually Gerhold who severely damaged this ship. Some suggest it was Midshipman Potthast. Other sources conclude Gerhold instead struck the frigate ‘HMS Trollope.’ Regardless of the truth, the following German press article provides a description of the interpretation of events that led to Gerhold receiving the Knight’s Cross as follows…

“The 23 year old Schreiberobergefreiter Walter Gerhold, from Sauerland, is the first lone fighter from the Kriegsmarine to be awarded the Knight’s Cross for sinking a British cruiser of the ‘Aurora Class’ under the most difficult of conditions. Commanding his human torpedo, Gerhold passed by six British destroyers at very close range, broke through the security ring and attacked a cruiser lying behind it following a skillful and calculated approach. The ship went down after suffering a major boiler explosion. Due to his bravery before the enemy Gerhold was also promoted to Schreibermaat.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 24th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 23rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 16th, 1944