GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
In Cologne Germany, on 6 March 1945, a famous duel between a Panther and Pershing took place.
The Panther Ausf. A of Panzerbrigade 106 had been laying in wait and when two M4 Shermans of the US 3rd Armored Division supporting US Infantry crossed it's path, the Panther opened fire with accurate and deadly fire, striking the lead Sherman twice in the turret's mantle, killing the Sherman's driver and another crewman instantly and mortally wounding the commander. As the second Sherman narrowly avoided being struck, they called for support from an M26 Pershing that was a few blocks over, almost on a parallel route to the Shermans.
The Pershing responded, moving into position to ambush the Panther and as it approached the intersection, a sedan suddenly appeared and was caught in a crossfire of MG fire between the German and American tank. Moments later, the Pershing came into view of the Panther and fired, striking the Panther. The hit penetrated the Panther and the Pershing fired two more successful rounds, killing one German crewman and forcing the four surviving crewmen to abandon the panzer.
This action was recorded on film by US Army Signal Corps TSgt. Bates and the battle has been discussed at length, but what was little known, was the fate of the sedan and it's occupants.
Due to recent research, it turns out that the sedan was owned by a local merchant and he and his employee, Katherina Esser were aparently trying to escape to the bridge and to safety. Sadly, Katherina was killed in the crossfire despite the aid rendered by the Army Medics.
Here is a great artical about the Pershing's gunner and his quest to know about Katherina's fate:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/10/us/w...fLHEb_AcwD0SdeeZhIgmNp4_jZWLlvFfKQMZN_skT5J5Y
The Panther Ausf. A of Panzerbrigade 106 had been laying in wait and when two M4 Shermans of the US 3rd Armored Division supporting US Infantry crossed it's path, the Panther opened fire with accurate and deadly fire, striking the lead Sherman twice in the turret's mantle, killing the Sherman's driver and another crewman instantly and mortally wounding the commander. As the second Sherman narrowly avoided being struck, they called for support from an M26 Pershing that was a few blocks over, almost on a parallel route to the Shermans.
The Pershing responded, moving into position to ambush the Panther and as it approached the intersection, a sedan suddenly appeared and was caught in a crossfire of MG fire between the German and American tank. Moments later, the Pershing came into view of the Panther and fired, striking the Panther. The hit penetrated the Panther and the Pershing fired two more successful rounds, killing one German crewman and forcing the four surviving crewmen to abandon the panzer.
This action was recorded on film by US Army Signal Corps TSgt. Bates and the battle has been discussed at length, but what was little known, was the fate of the sedan and it's occupants.
Due to recent research, it turns out that the sedan was owned by a local merchant and he and his employee, Katherina Esser were aparently trying to escape to the bridge and to safety. Sadly, Katherina was killed in the crossfire despite the aid rendered by the Army Medics.
Here is a great artical about the Pershing's gunner and his quest to know about Katherina's fate:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/10/us/w...fLHEb_AcwD0SdeeZhIgmNp4_jZWLlvFfKQMZN_skT5J5Y
