TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Köchle, Ludwig "Bunkerknacker" (Waffen SS)

Date of birth:
January 28th, 1921 (Nofels, Feldkirch/Vorarlberg, Austria)
Date of death:
June 9th, 1942 (Jeruschkowo, near the Peipussee-Polichno, Soviet Union)
Buried on:
German War Cemetery Korpowo
Grave: UNK.
Service number:
SS-Nr.: // NSDAP-Nr.:
Nationality:
Austrian (1938-1945, Reichsgau)

Biography

00.00.1938: joined the SS - campaign in the Sudetes

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Awarded on:
1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1941
Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
November 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
SS-Oberscharführer (Staff Sergeant)
Unit:
Zugführer, 5. Kompanie, SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1, SS-Totenkopf-Division
Awarded on:
February 28th, 1942
Ludwig Kochle earned his Knight’s Cross through his actions in the Demyansk pocket. As part of Max Simon’s kampfgruppe (itself an offshoot of the SS-Totenkopf division), Kochle led a group of 100 men from his division to success, repelling over 30 Russian attacks. He also received special recognition for one action where he and an assault team from 5. Kompanie outflanked a dangerous Russian position, destroying 6 bunkers with hand grenades as well as an enemy MG position. The group then held this area against multiple counterattacks.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1942
Medaille

Sources

Photos