Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier (Junior Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

August 9th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

April 15th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

April 24th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

May 24th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

May 30th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

December 28th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

March 18th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Warrant Officer)

Unit:

Zugführer, 3. Kompanie, schwere Heeres-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525, Heer

Awarded on:

May 11th, 1945

Koehler’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Following a heavy artillery barrage, Koehler and his 3 Nashörnen came under attack in the area between Reno and Filo on the 13.04.1945 by an enemy battalion that was supported by 6 tanks and ground attack aircraft. This initial attack was repulsed through the destruction of 3 enemy tanks and the effective engagement of the hostile infantry with HE rounds. After a short time the enemy once more attacked in battalion strength, and yet again (this time without infantry support) they were repulsed solely by Koehler and his Nashörnen. By the time of the third attack Koehler was badly wounded and down 1 Nashorn, however in the face of adversity he displayed exemplary calm and determination. This attack was likewise fended off in a battle fought partially in close combat and with the expenditure of the last rounds of ammunition.

Koehler ultimately prevented a breakthrough of the frontline in this sector as a result of his outstandingly brave steadfastness. This enabled both the creation of a rearward fallback position and the holding of the Reno bridge near Bastia (the latter being of invaluable importance for the withdrawal movement of the right neighbouring division).”

To this was added a supplementary endorsement by the LXXVI. Panzer-Korps…

“Koehler’s marvellous battlefield spirit decisively contributed to the denial of the enemy’s advance into the Argenta corridor.”


Surname is written in Fellgiebel as Koehler.
Proposal of the unit was sent via Fernschreiben on 15.05.1945; arrived at HPA on 16.05.1945; note by Major Domaschk: "Nicht bearbeiten" [do not handle]; award date determined by OdR.