Panzer commander Wittmann, Waffen SS

Michael Wittmann (April 22, 1914 - August 8, 1944) was a SS-Hauptsturmfhrer (SS-Captain) in Schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 101 during World War II, and one of the most successful tank commanders in history. He is famous for his June 13, 1944, ambush of elements of the British 7th Armoured Division at the Battle of Villers-Bocage in a Tiger tank. The number of enemy vehicle kills achieved by crews under Wittmann's command has never been surpassed. Wittman's crews (chiefly gunner Balthasar "Bobby" Woll, also a Knight's Cross holder) are known to have destroyed at least 138 tanks and 141 artillery pieces, along with an unknown number of other armoured vehicles. The circumstances leading to Wittman's death have also presented a mystery to historians, who have been unable to form a clear consensus on the matter.