Karl Nicolussi-Leck – SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 “Wiking”

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl Nicolussi-Leck. SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl Nicolussi-Leck earned the Ritterkreuz on April 9, 1944 as SS-Obersturmführer und Chef of the 8. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking”. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize.

Karl Nicolussi-Leck was the commander of a Panther company in the 5. SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking” during its efforts to relieve the trapped garrison at Kovel in March 1944. On the 27th of that month, with the German relief efforts still in progress, Nicolussi-Leck received an order to halt all offensive actions. By this point he was in radio conduct with the garrison, and felt that its relief was of the utmost importance. He thus told his radio operator to send a reply stating that he (Nicolussi-Leck) could not be found, and with that continued the push to the town. Three days later, following difficult fighting, he was able to reach the trapped garrison with seven tanks on the early morning of the 30th. By doing so he was able to substantially reinforce the garrison’s defences, and he remained with them until Kovel was finally relieved for good. His recommendation also says that he destroyed 17 tanks in the process, although it is possible this number is for the whole company. Either way, Nicolussi-Leck’s actions were judged to be worthy of the Knight’s Cross, and he received this award shortly afterwards. (Source: Traces of War)