Lucky13
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This might be old news here, but I just came across it....
2013: TIGER IN THE TANK – Historians Find Body Of German War Hero Kurt Knispel
2013: TIGER IN THE TANK – Historians Find Body Of German War Hero Kurt Knispel
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fubar57
General
Wow! Never heard of him. Only Wittmann.
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- #4
Lucky13
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Michael Wittmann is 'only' fifth on the list...
Totalize
Tech Sergeant
I had not heard of this news. Thanks for sharing. I thought he was killed in Hungary and his remains were buried in an umarked grave there.
GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
Knispel was sort of a real life counterpart to Oddball
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Lucky13
Forum Mascot
True....
Some say....they think, that his score might even be as high as 195-205 kills!
Some say....they think, that his score might even be as high as 195-205 kills!
GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
I find it interesting that Knispel (and several others) used to let the questionable (unverified/unconfirmed) kills go either unclaimed or to others.
Seems to be a much different mindset in the Panzerkorps then in the Luftwaffe
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Lucky13
Forum Mascot
Was just thinking that as well....
Knowing nothing about how armoured claims worked I wonder if the award of various gongs was related to the score of the tank commanders as it was for Luftwaffe pilots. Take a close look at the claims of some pilots (you won't get names from me) and you will find suspicious looking clusters of claims as they approach certain landmark scores. This doesn't in itself prove anything, but it should cause pause for thought. It seems to be an additional symptom to a 'sore throat' for some.
Cheers
Steve
Cheers
Steve
Totalize
Tech Sergeant
I think the mindset was different for Luftwaffe or tank corps individuals. Fighter pilots achieve kills often in a one on one situation ie. I get him first or he gets me. For tankers it was more a team effort. Engaging an enemy tank took the driver to maneuver the tank into a firing position, the loader to load the gun the gunner to aim and fire, the tank commander to decide what tank to engage and fire and what position/direction to move to or from. Of course the radioman/bow gunner would also help with getting and relaying orders as they came in over the wire from platoon, company etc commanders.
GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
The Commander of a tank is no different than a pilot of an aircraft, whether it's a Spitfire, SBD or Ju88 - nothing happens unless the Commander initiates the action.
