During World War II, a total of 145 Knights Cross medals were awarded to men of the U-Bootwaffe. These include:
116th was Oberleutnant (Ing.) Georg Olschewski, Engineering Officer aboard U-66 during their battle with the American destroyer escort USS BUCKLEY which inspired the movie ‘The Enemy Below’. The award was made 23 April 1944.
117th was Obersteuermann Walter Käding of U-123. The award was made 15 May 1944.
118th was Obersteuermann Horst Hoffmann of U-672. The award was made 20 May 1944.
119th was Kapitänleutnant (Ing) KARL-HEINZ WIEBE (226-1986), Engineering Officer U-178. The award was 22 May 1944.
More Ritterkreuzträger next month in KTB #176. In German, a “Ritter” is a rider, a mounted knight. “Kreuz” is a cross. “Träger” is one who holds or carries. Thus, a Ritterkreuzträger is one who holds or carries the Knights Cross. Thought you should know this information.
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© Copyright 2004 by Harry Cooper, Sharkhunters International, Inc.
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