Bio of Leutnant Johann Straub (1912-1996)

Johann Straub

Date of birth: June 6th, 1912 (Oberglashütte/Baden, Germany)
Date of death: July 12th, 1996 (Frickenhausen/Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

Promotions:
01.01.1943 Leutnant

Career:
00.00.19__ 3.Kompanie / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 7
00.00.19__ Panzerjäger-Ersatz-Abteilung 7
00.01.1944 Panzerjäger-Abteilung 7
00.10.1944 Panzerjäger-Ersatz-Abteilung 7

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Allgemeines-Sturmabzeichen
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
23.05.1944 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
12.08.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Leutnant and Zugführer / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 7 / 7.Infanterie-Division

Note:
This Warrior was a "Panzer Ace" who never commanded a Tiger or Panther tank. He was the platoon leader of an anti-tank battalion who commanded the Stug IV mobile assault gun that had no turret and lacked the fire power and thick armor of the heavy Panzer tanks. It took considerable skill and daring to knock out Russian tanks with the Stug IV assault gun. Johann Straub chose not to transfer to a Panzer Division (as successful Stug commanders often did), staying with his 7th Infantry Division. He survived the war and captivity and later joined the West German Bundeswehr with the last rank as a Major der Reserve. During World War II, he is credited with 18 tank kills.

Leutnant Johann Straub (6 June 1912 - 12 July 1996) is proud of his achievement and shows it off via the kill rings on his Geschütz (assault gun). He distinguished himself during the battle against the heavy Soviet offensive in the summer of 1944 and was awarded the Ritterkreuz (Knight's Cross) in 12 August 1944. He is the Zugführer (platoon leader) of 2.Kompanie (called Stu.Gesch.Abt.1007) / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 7 (7th Anti-Tank Battalion) / 7.Infanterie-Division. This photo was taken in that summer, between Pinsk and the River Bug

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
Magazine "Achtung Panzer" No.5, Sturmgeschütz III, StuG.IV & SIG.33
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424
http://panzermaenner.blogspot.com/2016/01/leutnant-johann-straub-is-proud-of-his.html
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger.info/rk/s.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/19267/Straub-Johann-Panzerj%C3%A4ger-Abteilung-7.htm
https://www.valka.cz/Straub-Johann-t215886
https://www.wolfganghistorica.com/product/johann-straub-panzerjager-abteilung-7-sturmgeschutz-abteilung-1007/