Top Panzer Ace? Mysterious SS-Ustuf. Martin/Walter Schroif

[Rob Romero]

A number of panzer ace listings I’ve come across credit SS-Untersturmführer Martin Schroif or Walter Schroif (Kdr. 2. Kompanie s. SS-PzAbt. 102 "Das Reich" ? / sPzAbt. 502?) with the destruction of 161 Tanks or AFVs ona ll Fronts (14 in Normandy) – this would place him as the top Panzer Ace. However, das-ritterkreuz.de (A seemingly comprehensive site concerning Knights Cross (RK) winners) does not even have him listed as being awarded!
I’m wondering if this is a case similar to Kurt Knipsel who reportedly was not awarded the RK until his death (he is not listed at das-ritterkreuz.de either!). Knipsel is commonly credited with 168 Tank Kills. However, this should be more correctly recognized as 42 Kills as a Tank Commander and 126 as a Gunner – in contrast Michael Wittmann is credited with 138 - 144 Tank Kills sole as a Tank Commander - a big difference, although Tank Aces in general should be regarded as part of an integral team. Anyhow, if anyone could provide any info clearing up this mystery or photographs concerning SS-Untersturmführer Martin Schroif or Walter Schroif (Kdr. 2. Kompanie/s. SS-PzAbt. 102 "Das Reich"? / s. PzAbt. 502?), it would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob Romero

KC/RK search at:
http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/index_sea ... search_ext

P.S. In a previous post, I was cautioned not to confuse him with Dr.Walter Scherf Kdr. 3/503 & Schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 512.

[Jan-Hendrik]

..as it was already...

Jan-Hendrik

[Rob Romero]

No Additonal Thoughts or info?

-Rob

[lartiste]

Anyone any new info regarding Schroif???

[smetanin albert]

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