TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Tank, Walter (Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3)

Date of birth:
November 3rd, 1915 (Konz/Rhineprovince, Germany)
Date of death:
April 27th, 1998 (Schriesheim/Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
Service number:
SS-Nr.: 177.292 // NSDAP-Nr.:
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Walter Tank finally reached the rank of Hauptmann der Reserve. After the Second World War he served with the Bundeswehr from 1955 until 1965, finally reaching the rank of Oberstleutnant.


Promotions:
00.00.1935: Leutnant d. R.
00.00.1941: Oberleutnant d. R.
00.00.1943: Hauptmann d. R.
19.10.1943: SS-Mann
21.06.1944: SS-Untersturmführer
00.00.1962: Oberstleutnant - Bundeswehr

Career:
24.09.1942: Chef, 6. Kompanie, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 3, 3. Panzer-Division
21.06.1944: 59. SS-Standarte

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 22nd, 1941
Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant der Reserve (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
Unit:
Chef, 6. Kompanie, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3, 3. Panzer-Division
Awarded on:
September 24th, 1942
Oberleutnant Tank was commander of the 6./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 when he received the Knight’s Cross for his actions while crossing the Manytsch river. His Kompanie was the first to cross the river just after midnight on the 01.08.1942 in the face of fierce Soviet artillery fire and stubborn resistance by NKVD troops. When his Bataillon commander was killed Tank assumed command and continued the battle, with his troops eventually wresting control of the far bank in close combat.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photos