Otto Paetsch and Karl Nicolussi-Leck

Photo of SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Paetsch (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 "Wiking") and SS-Obersturmführer Karl Nicolussi-Leck (Chef 8.Kompanie / SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 "Wiking"), possibly taken on the day Karl (right) receiving his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 April 1944 while serving in the 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking". Paetsch would get his own Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1944 while serving with 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg". Paetsch, went from being an Anti-Tank Company Commander, to a Recce Battalion Commander, to a Heavy Tank Battalion Commander to a Panzer-Regiment Commander. A phenomenal record by any standard! He also served as the Ic (military intelligence and counterespionage) staff officer for the Wiking Division during the first six months the division fought in the Soviet Union. As the Ic, he was privy to the knowledge of many things happening at the front and in the division rear area involving partisans and other segments of the Soviet civilian population. This photo was signed by Karl Nicolussi-Leck.

Source :
Denis J. Horgan photo collection
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