The Greatest Michael Wittmann – The Greatest Tank Ace of WWII (44:44 min)

The Greatest Michael Wittmann – The Greatest Tank Ace of WWII

Michael Wittman was born in Vogelthal, Bavaria on 22 April 1914. In 1934 he joined the Army, later transferring to the Waffen SS (Armed SS) in October 1936, where he was assigned in April 1937 to the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. This Unit was named for the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler and was eventually expanded to a Armoured Division. Michael saw service in the union of Austria, and in the Sudetenland. In 1941, Michael took part in the pre-emptive strike against the Red Army. He commanded a StuG III (Assault Gun) and well as a Panzer III. BY 1943, he commanded a Panzer VI, better known as the Tiger I. Michael took part in Operation Citadel, when his four tanks destroyed a number of Communist tanks. In Jan 1944, Michael recieved the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for the destruction of 117 enemy tanks. Michael was personally awarded the award from the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler, at his Headquarters (Wolf's Lair) at Rastenburg on 2 Feb 1944. Michael was later also awarded the Swords to his Knight's Cross. In 1944, the LSSAH was transferred to the Western front. Michael had seen the senseless bombing of German cities and vowed revenge. During this time Michael married and Adolf Hitler attended his wedding in his honour. On the 13 June 1944 attacked elements of a Allied Division with his tank, calling others to join him as soon as they could. At Villers-Bocage, Michael's six tanks took on over 100 enemy tanks or amoured vehicles. Michael's tank destroyed 14 enemy tanks, 15 half-tracks and 2 anti-tank guns in about 15 minutes. Michael's tank was disabled by an enemy anti-tank gun in the village and he escaped with his crew on foot. In August 1944, Wittman was ordered to lead seven tanks in a counter-attack against Allied armour. The counter-attack was replused with heavy losses. Michael was sadly killed, together with all of his crew. Michael had a record of about 130 enemy tanks destroyed. In this video (44 minutes) Michael's incredible story is retold with full details.