Ludwig Köchle

Ludwig Köchle (also known as "Bunkerknacker") was an Oberscharführer, in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Ludwig Köchle was born on the 28 February 1921 in Nofels, Austria. He volunteered to join the SS in 1938 and took part in the occupation of the Sudetenland. During 1941 he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in July and the 1st class award in November. His award of the Knight's Cross was on the 28 February 1942, when an Oberscharführer, in the 1st Company, 1st SS Infantry Regiment, SSTotenkopf. Which was part of Army Group North on the Eastern Front.

Köchle was killed in action on the 9 June 1942 near Polizo southwest of Lake Ilmen when he received a direct hit from an artillery shell.