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Walle, Gustav (Pz-jäger-Abt. "Großdeutschland")

Date of birth:
September 6th, 1915 (Würzburg, Germany)
Date of death:
September 29th, 1970 (Bad Grönenbach/Bavaria, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
Kp.Chef, III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) "Großdeutschland", Heer
Awarded on:
January 5th, 1942

617th Award.
Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 1945

For the destruction of a total of nine British tanks on 14th and 15th April 1945.
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 1945

For the destruction of a total of nine British tanks on 14th and 15th April 1945.
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 1945

For the destruction of a total of nine British tanks on 14th and 15th April 1945.
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 1945

For the destruction of a total of nine British tanks on 14th and 15th April 1945.
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 1945

For the destruction of a total of nine British tanks on 14th and 15th April 1945.
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Kommandeur, Panzerjäger-Abteilung "Großdeutschland", Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland", Heer
Awarded on:
May 8th, 1945
Walle’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Major Walle distinguished himself as a premier fighter of his Abteilung during the combat near Nettelkampf and Stadensen on the night of the 14./15.04.1945. In this time he destroyed 9 enemy tanks with Panzerfausts in just a few minutes. He knocked out the 9th tank with a Panzerfaust despite having become badly wounded by that time.

It should be noted that postwar records reveal that these destroyed “tanks” were in fact tracked vehicles that were not true tanks.

Proposal arrived at HPA/A on 2-5-1945 (destruction of 9 tanks with Panzerfaust), no hints in the files on a handling or an ordinary procedere resulting in an award. FRG Ministry of Defense wasn't able to find a confirmation for an award (1963). On a KC proposallist of IIa/OB Nordwest W. is crossed out with the remark : "verl." (without date), most probable meaning = "verliehen" which is a hint on a possible award. Accepted by OdR in accordance with so-called "Dönitz-Erlass". Award date determined by Fellgiebel.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photo