Richard Spörle

Richard Spörle was a Hauptsturmführer (Captain) in the Waffen SS during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Richard Spörle was born on the 20 July 1915,in Ludwigsburg Germany. During World War II he volunteered to join the SS-VT (SS number 244 173) and by the summer of 1944 he was in command of the 9th Company, 23rd SS Panzergrenadier Regiment Norge 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland

After the fighting at the Battle for Narva Bridgehead they were moved into new positions outside the city of Preekuln and Richard Spörle was given command of the II. Battalion, 23rd Panzergrenadier Regiment Norge and for his leadership and bravery was awarded the Knights Cross in November 1944.

Richard Spörle did not survive the war but was killed in action on 17 April 1945 just east of Berlin.