Friedrich Holzer

Friedrich Holzer (13 May 1912 — 9 November 1984) was an Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel), 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. He was also one of 631 men to be awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold.

Friedrich Holzer was born in Waldweg in Austria on the 13 May 1912. In 1934 he volunteered to join the SS and was attached to the 11th Standarde until October 1936, when he joined Germania Regiment.

He was selected to become an officer and posted to the SS-Junkerschule at Braunschweig graduating in 1939, when he was posted as a platoon commander to the Der Führer Regiment in the 3rd Company.

In 1941 he was given command of the 7th Company and was later made adjutant under Otto Kumm in January 1942.

Holzer was awarded the German Cross in Gold for his bravery with Der Führer Regiment in action around Rzhev in February 1942.

Holzer was transferred to the SS Division Das Reich 2nd SS Panzer Regiment at the end of 1942 and was given command of the 2nd Company.

It was during his time in command of the 2nd Company that Holzer was awarded the Knight's Cross for his bravery at Nikolajewka.

In 1944, Holzer was given command of the Panzer Reserve Regiment which became Panzer Regiment Holzer of the SS Panzer Brigade Westfalen where he remained until the end of the war.

Holzer survived the war and died on the 9 November 1984.