Allegiance Nazi Germany Years of service 1934–45 | Service/branch Waffen-SS Name Johann Sailer | |
Died 12 November 2005(2005-11-12) (aged 83) Rank Obersturmfuhrer (First Lieutenant) Unit 9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen | ||
Johann Sailer (December 23, 1921 - November 12, 2005) was an Obersturmfuhrer (First Lieutenant) in the Waffen-SS during World War II. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Johann Sailer was awarded the Knight's Cross near the end of World War II on 4 May 1945, while in command of the 4th Battery, 9th SS Panzerjager (Tank Hunter) Battalion, 9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen. There is some dispute over the award as it was authorised by Oberstgruppenfuhrer Sepp Dietrich in his position as commander of the German Sixth SS Panzer Army, who claimed to have been given the authority by Adolf Hitler in person.