Allegiance Nazi Germany Battles/wars World War II Battles and wars World War II Rank Sturmbannfuhrer | Years of service 1939–44 Name Walter Kniep Service/branch Waffen-SS | |
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross 1st Class
Iron Cross 2nd Class
German Cross in Gold
Infantry Assault Badge Died April 22, 1944, Thouars, France Unit 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich, 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division Gotz von Berlichingen | ||
Walter Knieps präsentiert den Pro Mexican Doppelendball
Walter Kniep (13 December 1909 — 22 April 1944) was a Sturmbannfuhrer (Major), 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.
Walter Kniep was born in East Prussia on the 13 December 1909, he volunteered to join the SS and was selected to become an officer. His first command was the 3rd Company, SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Der Fuhrer in 1941. He went on to command the III. Battalion, SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Deutschland both part of the Das Reich Division.
In 1942 he took over command of the 2nd SS Sturmgeschutz (assault gun) Battalion. Kniep was awarded the Knight’s Cross in 1944.
He was given command of the 17th SS Panzer Regiment, 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division Gotz von Berlichingen.
Walter Kniep was killed in an accident on the 22 April 1944 at Thouars in France, when he was accidentally shot during training when a soldier was unloading a Luger pistol.