Walter Kniep

Walter Kniep
File:Walterkniep.jpg
Born	13 December 1909 Lorenzen, East Prussia
Died	22 April 1944(1944-04-22) (aged 34) Thouars, France
Allegiance	Nazi Germany
Service / branch	Waffen-SS
Years of service	1939–44
Rank	Sturmbannführer
Unit	2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen
Battles / wars	World War II
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Walter Kniep (13 December 1909 – 22 April 1944) was a Sturmbannführer in the Waffen-SS of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

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 Führer in 1941. He commanded battalions in the 2n SS Division Das Reich. Kniep was awarded the Knight’s Cross in 1944. He went on to serve as a regimental commander in the 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen. Kniep was killed on 22 April 1944 at Thouars in France, when he was accidentally shot during training.

References

• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000) [1986]. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)