Allegiance Nazi Germany Years of service 1938–42 Name Ludwig Kochle | Service/branch Waffen SS Rank Oberscharfuhrer | |
Died 9 June 1942(1942-06-09) (aged 21)
Lake Ilmen, Russia Unit 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf | ||
Ludwig Kochle (also known as "Bunkerknacker"; 28 February 1921 – 9 June 1942) was an Oberscharfuhrer, in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Ludwig Kochle was born on the 28 February 1921 in Nofels, Austria. He volunteered to join the SS in 1938 and took part in the occupation of the Sudetenland. During 1941 he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in July and the 1st class award in November. His award of the Knight's Cross was on the 28 February 1942, when an Oberscharfuhrer, in the 1st Company, 1st SS Infantry Regiment, SSTotenkopf. Which was part of Army Group North on the Eastern Front.
Kochle was killed in action on the 9 June 1942 near Polizo southwest of Lake Ilmen when he received a direct hit from an artillery shell.