I'm not interested in this man's war crimes but rather his capabilities as a battlefield commander in his 251 armored halftrack battalion and his command of SS Panzer regiment 1. He doesn't seem to be particularly accomplished for someone with the Oakleaves and Swords. He seems to have pushed his command very hard into the fight and his record shows that he repeatedly wore down his units through attrition. His awards seem more due to political favoritism rather than genuine merit. What are your opinions of this soldier? How well did the 1.SS Panzer regiment perform in Normandy?
Now you've got me curious and I will have to go back to the book 'Devils Advocate' and read up on Peiper's accomplishments. Here is a synopsis of the actions which resulted in his awards. The SPW battalion he commanded from 1942 - 1943, gained the nickname 'Lötlampenbatallion' because of Peiper's preference of attacking enemy held villages by night from all sides, driving at full throttle and firing from all weapons which put the straw roofs of the buildings on fire and contributed to panic among enemy troops. On May 6, 1943 the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (German Cross in Gold) was awarded him for his achievements in February 1943. The proposal for the award reads as follows:"In Stawerowka the battalion was ordered to take Zigderowka. The mission was executed by night against heavy resistance and an enemy battalion was routed, four 7,62 guns, an infantry gun, 10 mortars and many machine guns and hand guns being captured and destroyed. Peiper advanced immediately towards Kasatschij Maidan,encountered an enemy battalion on the march and executed a hasty attack. Here, he inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and took Kasatschij Maidan. From here Peiper prepared his battalion for the attack on Jeremejewka, attacked it at dawn against heavy resistance and took Jeremejewka. Exploiting the confusion among the enemy, the battalion advanced on Leninskij and broke the last resistance. By an immediate advance, he inflicted heavy losses on the enemy which was fleeing through open fields. The battalion destroyed one T 34, six guns 7,62 and captured 300 horses .Three sledge columns were routed. The enemy casualties amounted about to anywhere from 800 to 900. SS Sturmbannführer Peiper has distinguished himself in all these fights by a sensible command of his battalion and personal bravery and has proven himself worthy of the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold." Three days after his actions on the March 6th, 1943, he received the Knight's Cross. The proposal reads as follows:"SS Sturmbannführer Peiper commander III/2 Pz Gren Reg LAH had on 6 march 1943 the mission,after breaking enemy resistance in the line south edge Prossjanoje-Hf Ljasowa-Gawrilowka to move forward to Hf Peressel(day objective).At 11.45 Peiper had reached the south edge of Peressel.At 1400 he broke through the enemy line which was forming and advanced on his own initiative far beyond the day objective. Driving through enemy columns,at 1530 he threw strong enemy out of prepared positions at Federowka-Hf Bridok and built a bridgehead.He held this bridgehead,even while being cut off from rear communications and under attack from all sides.Three T 34 were killed.SS Sturmbannführer Peiper created the conditions for the successful attack on Walki on 7 march 1943." On 18 march 1943 Peiper showed again his daring nature when he took Bjelgorod by a surprise attack,after driving over russian positions at full speed which caused the surprised enemy to flee in masses. The proposal by Oberführer Wish, divisional commander of the LAH for the award of the oak leaves to Peiper reads as follows:"....Battlegroup Peiper(ss Panzerregiment 1 ,reinforced ss Aufklärunsabteilung 1,III/2,2. SS panzerpionierbattalion 1,5./SS Flakabteilung 1)hat the mission ,moving off the 05.12.1943 at 1500,to move around the enemy occupied Tschernjakoff by a night march,move to the north of Tschernjakoff in a broad front over Andrejew,the hills on both sides of styrty and later without taking account of threats of the flanks to gain ground in the direction of Radomyschl.After the battlegroup had taken Sseljantschschina the 05.12.1943,20.00 with its advanced units ,the reconnaissance by the III/2 showed that the enemy had fixed himself in well built field positions to the west of Pekartschina and positioned himself in a concentric defense in the village itself.Because the village could not be driven around because of the unfavorable terrain and the bridges in the village had to be taken undamaged,SS Sturmbannführer Peiper took personal command of the armored battalion,of which he was the commander until recently,and executed with unheard off daring a night attack on this place,destroying the totally surprised enemy in his positions in and in front off the village ,firing the weapons and the flamethrowers from the APC's.Because the enemy had temporarily cut the line off supply in the course of the 06.12.1943,the Panzer group could only advance again towards the east in the course of the afternoon of the 07.12.1943,first to Tschaikowka.This place was fortified by the Russians with field positions and hastily brought forward PAK's and to avoid losses Sturmbannfûhrer Peiper decided only to advance after dark,driving around Tschaikowka and advance to the east.Towards 19.00 the Panzer group stood already to the rear of the enemy,overcame the resistance of a few PAK's and advanced ten kilometers to the east.The Battle group was then turned to the north on the orders of the division,took Chudory und moved then to the north in the strongly fortified Sabolot.After strong house to house fighting SS Sturmbannführer Peiper had the place in his hands towards 10.00.In this night attack the Battlegroup Peiper took or destroyed: one tank T34,eight guns,one PAK 4.5 cm, 61 PAK 7.62 cm,21 antitankrifles, 55 machineguns,5 trucks, 930 dead and 3 prisoners.With this nightly advance of his Panzer Group ,again operating in the rear of the enemy,SS Sturmbannführer Peiper had made a breach in the deep enemy defensesystem composed of strongpoints and prevented the building of an operational bridgehead over the Teterew.SS Sturmbannführer Peiper performed extraordinarily in personal bravery and in the tactical command of his strong unit.His personal daring,his battleplan,the determined execution of it and the fast recognition and exploitation of favorable opportunities,have helped his armored group and with that the division to this great success.Outside that,the SS Panzerregiment took or captured in the short time between 21/11-24/12/1943 under the command of SS Sturmbannführer Peiper:100 tanks T 34 ,11 guns,124 PAK 7.62 cm,24 antitankguns,16 trucks,14 ZKW,seven FLAK guns and two airplanes (Il 2).I consider SS Sturmbannführer Peiper to be worthy of the award of the Oak leaves to the Knights cross of the Iron Cross because of his again and again proven personal bravery and because of the extraordinary command of his regiment,and I ask the award of this high distinction to SS Sturmbannführer Peiper." The oakleaves were awarded to Peiper the 27th january 1944. While SS apologists continue to attempt to whitewash Peiper's career, it is clear that he remained close to Himmler throughout the war and remained a true believer in the National Socialist regime
In both actions, his command managed to superficially penetrate the Soviet rear area. He won the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's across for destroying a reinforced enemy battalion with his Armored battalion. Using his armor battlegroup, he won the oakleaves for destroying what amounts to another reinforced enemy battalion along with two battalions of Soviet Armor. But how are these even particularly unusual feats given all his heavy weapons and elite infantry? His SPW unit would naturally roll over an infantry outfit of equal or slightly greater size thanks to its speed, armor, and great firepower. In his oakleaves' operation, I remember reading a few years ago that he actually burned out his entire regimental size combat group after routing this defense. He lost many tanks and men. Not worth it at all from what I see here and a great waste of resources for an attrition battle. In the Ardennes, he would burn out his command again and fail-but he was rewarded for it! How were these operationally significant actions? What were his exact losses in both operations?
By what do you mean that he 'burned out' his command? If you mean that he had major losses, what were they? If you already know then why ask what his exact losses are?
Burned out as in heavy losses. I don't remember his exact losses, but I remember that his unit was decimated after his Oakleaves award.
All is good above except--what were the war crimes he supposedly committed? I have never read that "he" committed any or participated in any war crimes. Peipers so called and alleged connection to the Malmedy massacre is bunkem and bosch. Peiper never issued the command to kill those great G.I.s. Peiper was not even in the area at the time of the shootings. I still have abook in storage somewhere-that was written by a G.I. about that masacre. If I can find it-ill post some of his stuff. I do not remember the name of the book off-hand. However, I will end with that Peiper was never proven to have had anything dealinig with that sad and famous murders of all of those G.I's. Oh and, years ago-a thread was started about that massacre and in which also has a lot of info posted from said book I talked about above. If you can find that thread? you will find a most engrossing discussion there. If Peiper had been guilty-he would not have had his death sentence commuted to a term in prison and as well, he was released before his alotted time ended. If he were guilty-he would not have escaped the death penalty.
At his trial a member of his Unit testified that Peiper PERSONALY told him to take away a US POW' and shoot him. 'Malmedy' covers a number on incidents where his Unit killed unarmed civilians and POW's. The trial was not confined to the one famous incident. Page 264/265 of 'Duel In The Mist' DUEL IN THE MIST: THE LAH DURING THE ARDENNES OFFENSIVE VOL 1: KG PEIPER STOUMONT 19 DEC 1944 --- Helion & Company Limited Stoumont Hans Hillig, who was accused of murder during the Malmedy Trial, stated: "In the early part of the afternoon of the 19th December 1944, the following happened. If one travels from LA GLEIZE to STOUMONT there stands a bouse on the left side of the road just as one reaches the edge of STOUMONT. Around the house is a garden which is surrounded by a hedge about 1.20 meters high. I was told by Untersturmfuhrer Krausse to park behind this house that is, behind the hedge. We were standing there for about one-half hour at this place, when I received from Untersturmfuhrer Krausse the order to gather up in one pile all enemy weapons and ammunition; the available crew of my vehicle was to help me. Suddenly I heard Sturmbannfuhrer Peiper shout, 'Hillig, get that prisoner.' I knew where the prisoner was because once before I bad executed an order from Peiper at which time I saw the prisoner. I took the prisoner from the lobby of the house where be was sitting on the stairs and guarded by Rottenfuhrer Water Lehn. I led him beside the house and turned him over to Sturmbannfuhrer Peiper who was sitting on a stone. Immediately next to Peiper stood the following officers: Obersturmfuhrer Rudi Maule, and Untersturmfuhrer Horst Krausse, and I believe I also saw there Hauptsturmfuhrer Hans Gruble. After I gave the prisoner over to Peiper I withdrew about 5 to 6 meters and remained there. The reason was I wanted to see what Peiper intended to do with the prisoner. I saw and beard as Peiper was talking to this man in a foreign tongue. This prisoner only answered to the first sentence which be was asked by Peiper. Peiper continued talking to the prisoner, but the prisoner remained mute. At the end of the interrogation between Peiper and the prisoner I know, however, that the prisoner gave a short answer. Peiper was then very angry and shouted, 'Hillig!' I answered, 'Sturmbannfuhrer'. Peiper said, 'Shoot the man and lay him next to the anti-aircraft gun.' By that he meant that I should shoot this man in the vicinity of the anti-aircraft gun. I led the prisoner away towards the location which was indicated to me by Peiper WHen I was about 75 meters away from Peiper he shouted after me, 'That is far enough.' I would like to add that I Had' a pistol on me but no machine pistol; therefore; I let someone hand me a machine pistol from my vehicle. I cannot tell exactly who gave it to me but I believe it was Rottenfuhrer Walter Landfried. After I had been addressed by Peiper as indicated above, I took the machine pistol and fired one shot into the region of this American prisoner's heart. He collapsed immediately. As he lay on the ground I shot him once more into the temple to be sure that be was dead. I know that the man did not suffer and was dead because his eyes were glassy. I then returned to Peiper uwho was still standing at the same spot, and reported to him that I had executed his order. He ansivered something which had to do with the prisoner, but, however, I cannot remember it anymore. I then returned to my previous work." Walter Landfried and George Ebeling both gave evidence that the watched the above incident unfold. US jails are full of convicted murderers who have had the death sentence commuted. Are they all innocent?
Don't forget that from 1938-41 he was personal adjutant to Himmler so he was well known to those with influence before his combat career took off.
His trial conversations: YouTube - Jochen Peiper Malmedy Trial Part 1 YouTube - Jochen Peiper Malmedy Trial Part 2 YouTube - Jochen Peiper Malmedy Trial Part 3 YouTube - Jochen Peiper Malmedy Trial Part 4 YouTube - Joachim Peiper
Interesting bit I found: Peiper's Panther Battalion, Ardennes offensive- 36 Panther tanks (including 2 command Panthers) 5 Panthers destroyed by US tank, A/T gun, and bazooka fire. Panther Battalion destroyed 11 US tanks in return. 17 Panthers abandoned and destroyed by their own crews when Peiper was eventually encircled.
M Kenny, that part is true about Peiper-but the part of him being in on (in one capacity or another) with the Malmedy Massacre is pure fiction. I was ONLY talking about the MM and not other accusations that he might have been guilty of. Cheers.
Just "interested": After Malmedy I read that some Allied units received "order" not to take any POW´s. Is there any approximate figure how many Germans were killed due to this "order"? The original order "form" is in the Forums as I found the order a while back ( I´ll try to find it later on ).But just to show where war can go at times on both sides.... And here it is: The only order on the Allied side on shooting persons first I found in Williamson´s Aces of the Reich book: "After Malmedy Fragmentary Order 27 issued by Headquarters, 328th Infantry on 21 December for the attack scheduled for the following day says: "No SS troops or paratroopers will be taken prisoners but will be shot on sight."
Didn´t Peiper advance the furthest to the west of all KG´s during the operation? So that was something during the whole operation, which also was a very stupid operation planned by Hitler himself. I recall the plan was in early autumn sent to the OKW but there was a print on the plan saying "not to be changed!". Hitler obviously was happy about the propaganda value of the attack and never really afterwards thought of the losses which were decisive considering the future defensive operation of the Reich and especially the Ruhr area. Also on "bodenplatte" Hitler gave away the planes,too.
Hello Wolfy, And for what if I may ask, did Monty receive his laurels?? For chasing after an outgunned, outnumbered, and out fueled, Africa Corps for six – seven month? How many British, Commonwealth and US soldiers got killed in addition because of his “tender” forward push? No I am not trying at the least to get myself into a Monty discussion, but I am merely trying to point out that a war decoration does not simply go according to how a success was achieved, but that a success itself was achieved. And a success is defined by the superiors, who indeed might tend to forward distinctions to people with charisma, long serving times and who’s actions (the individual) can contribute to propaganda, besides awarding a pure act of bravery or an outstanding feat. Was Urquard (Hope I spelled it correctly) or any other British para member at Arnheim excluded from medals because of the failure of operation MG? Regards Kruska
Fragmentary Order 27 issued by Headquarters, 328th Infantry on 21 December for the attack scheduled for the following day says: "No SS troops or paratroopers will be taken prisoners but will betakenQUOTE On December 16th.1944 I was wounded at the Loshiem Gap on the Border of Belgium and Germany in the Ardennes. I was confronted by a German infantry laden tank. I managed to escape by running into the woods after being shot through the leg. I was evacuated to Malmedy the hours later.. I was then evacuated to Paris on the 16th. About a week later all of the walking wounded ordered back to the front ,along with any available men. Cooks, Bakers, Truck drivers. Quartermasters ETC. Upon arrival my outfit the 99th could not be located. I was assigned to a rag tag outfit of strangers.. I was directed to dig in on a ridge at Elsenborne Belgium. On my right were two Polish Machine gunners attached to the British Army. On my left there were other GI's separated from their outfits. We were well dug in and ready for an attack. It was not long after that the attack came. We beat off two attacks leaving the field littered with dead and wounded Germans. After the second attack the Germans retreated.. We were ordered to advance and mop up. Although we received no orders not to take prisoners, there were many shots, but just a few prisoners..This was just 10 days after Malmedy.. It was fresh in everyone's mind. Nothing was never said. We never received an official order to kill prisoners. I speak only from my experiences. There may have been orders to other outfits, but I cant speak for them.
Here's a good read on the Malmedy Massacre trial: Proceedings of the Dachau Military Tribunal against SS soldiers accused of killing American POWs in the Malmedy Massacre
Joachim Peiper's postwar fate proves that he must have annoyed someone about something. Plenty of SS officers survived the postwar period, but Peiper was, apparently, murdered and his house burnt to the ground....not sure of the circumstances beyond this. What I want to know is why people like Peiper were murdered when far more important members of the SS officer Corps, (Like Karl Wolff, or Reinhard Spitzy) were let alone, even giving postwar interwiews for documentaries. I can't recall Peiper as having much of a public profile, so maybe his Himmler associations signed his warrant? In a sinilar vein, postwar, commanders of the SS "Totenkopf" Division kept disappearing. It is surprising the Israeli's bothered to put Adolf Eichmann on trial, rather than putting him to death straight away. The State of Israel certainly needed no justification if they wished to put Eichmann to death out of hand, and they certainly did not need to prove any case against him, (far too many documents were signed by Eichmann for his culpability to be called into question with an elaborate trial.
