Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Panzergrenadier

Unit:

MG-Schütze, 6. Kompanie, SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1, 1. SS-Panzer-Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”, 6. SS-Panzer-Armee, Oberkommando West

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Panzergrenadier

Unit:

MG-Schütze, 6. Kompanie, SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1, 1. SS-Panzer-Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”, 6. SS-Panzer-Armee, Oberkommando West

Awarded on:

August 16th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Panzergrenadier

Unit:

MG-Schütze, 6. Kompanie, SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1, 1. SS-Panzer-Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”, 6. SS-Panzer-Armee, Oberkommando West

Awarded on:

October 31st, 1944

Erich Göstl was positioned on the northern edge of Tilly-la-Campagne as the gunner of an MG-42 when a Canadian combined arms force attacked on the evening of the 05.08.1944. The attacking Canadian force consisted of two battalions (namely the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) as well as the tanks of the 29th Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. The brunt of the German defense had to be borne by the Panzergrenadiers of the II./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 1 to the northwest of Tilly-la-Campagne, among which was Göstl.

He initially opened fire as the Canadians approached to within 30 metres of his position. He eventually lost sight in his right eye after he was hit multiple times in the face. Despite this, as well as the loss of his assistant, he continued to pour fire into the attackers. He was eventually hit in the face again, and this time he lost sight in his left eye. Despite the pain and loss of sight he continued to operate his machine-gun, relying on his senses of touch and hearing to approximate the location of the attackers. As the fighting went on his MG was hit and damaged, and he himself was wounded for a third time. He collapsed while covered in blood, and was only found later by a German assault troop.

His actions here significantly contributed to the prevention of a penetration into the German line in this area despite the vast numerical strength of the attacking force. For this, as well as the great bravery and determination he exhibited, he would be awarded the Knight’s Cross as the only Waffen-SS Panzergrenadier to be so honoured throughout the course of the war.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

SS-Panzergrenadier

Unit:

SS-Lazerettabteilung für Kriegsblinde Prag, Waffen-SS

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1944

Awarded for a serious wound received on August 6th, 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)