Died Fate Unknown Service/branch Waffen-SS Rank Sturmbannfuhrer | Allegiance Nazi Germany Years of service 1933–45 Name Erich Gratz | |
Unit 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler | ||
Erich Gratz (14 August 1909 — Fate Unknown ) was a Sturmbannfuhrer (Major) in the Waffen-SS who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. He was born on the 14 August 1909 in Neusalz on the Oder, Niederschlesien. On joining the SS he was issued the service number 247 883 and was posted to the 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler and rose to command the 18. (Panzerjagerkompanie)/ 1st SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment.
He was awarded the Knights Cross for the following action:
"...On 5 March 1944, all hell broke loose [in Manatschin, Ukraine]...At the height of the fighting, our old comrade SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Gratz (the Chef of the 18. [Panzerjager]/Panzergrenadierregiment 1) showed up. At that time, he was serving as part of the officer reserve. He had pulled together the men of the Backerei Kompanie and retreating soldiers from other units to form a fighting force. Supported by only two broken-down Panzers stuck in Manatschin, Hauptsturmfuhrer Gratz was able not only to repulse the attack, but to lead his "Kampfgruppe Gratz" in a counterattack. They prevented the Russians from making a further advance across the march route to the south. For his actions, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz."