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Adolf Peichl
Bundesarchiv Bild 101III-Merz-028-05A, Russland, Männer der SS-Division "Das Reich"
Oberscharführer Adolf Peichl (left)
Born (1917-12-08)December 8, 1917
Died 4 June 1969(1969-06-04) (aged 51)
Place of birth Vienna, Austria
Place of death Vienna, Austria
Allegiance Nazi Germany Nazi Germany
Service/branch Flag Schutzstaffel Waffen SS
Years of service 1939–1945
Rank Untersturmführer
Unit 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
German Cross in Gold
Iron Cross 1st Class
Iron Cross 2nd Class
Close Combat Clasp in Gold
Tank Destruction Badge in Gold x 2
Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
Wound Badge in Gold

Adolf Peichl was a Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant), 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 during World War II. He was also one of only 631 men awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold.

Adolf Peichl was born in Vienna on the 8 December 1917. He volunteered to join the SS and was posted to the SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Der Führer. He became one of the highest decorated NCO's in the German armed forces. Peichl survived the war and died in his home town of Vienna on the 4 June 1969.[1][2]

Awards[]

  • Iron Cross 2nd class, 23 August 1941
  • Iron Cross 1st class, 28 October 1941
  • Tank Destruction Badge in Silver, 6 September 1943
  • Tank Destruction Badge in Silver, 6 September 1943 (Two awards for two tanks destroyed)
  • German Cross in Gold, 16 September 1943 (Oberscharführer and platoon commander, Der Führer Regiment)
  • Tank Destruction badge in Silver, 20 September 1943
  • Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, 22 October 1943
  • Close Combat Clasp in Silver, 22 October 1943
  • Close Combat Clasp in Gold, 26 October 1943 (Hauptscharführer, platoon commander,Der Führer Regiment)
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, 16 October 1944
  • Wound Badge in Gold
  • Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
  • Tank Destruction Badge in Silver
  • Tank Destruction Badge in Gold (For destroying his fifth tank by hand)
  • Tank Destruction Badge in Gold (For destroying his tenth tank by hand)
  • Tank Destruction Badge in Silver (For destroying his eleventh tank by hand) [1][2]

References[]

  • Kurowski Franz (2005). Infantry Aces. Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-3202-9.
  • Berger, Florian (2004). Ritterkreuzträger mit Nahkampfspange in Gold. ISBN 3-9501307-3-X.
  • Mattson, Gregory (2002). SS-The realm. The History of the Second SS division, 1939-45. Staplehurst. ISBN 1-86227-144-5.
  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
  • 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.

External links[]

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