This picture shows tank commander Michael Wittmann stood in front of his command tank Tiger 1 '007'.
Regarded by many as a 'Tiger Ace' Wittmann had many 'kills' to his name albeit many of them were on the Eastern front commanding a Stug assault gun before he took command of his first Tiger. Never the less he notched up an impressive tally and his action at Villers-Bocage earned him recognition and promotion to SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer. Hitler himself decorated him with National Socialist Germany's highest award The Knights Cross with oakleaves and crossed swords. Michael Wittmann was now picked up by Goebbels' propaganda machine and elevated to national hero at a time where Germany needed heroes as the tide of war was certainly turned against Germany's forces and the myth of Wittmann was born. I would argue that given that he was an experienced and fearless commander, when married to the most powerful weapons platform of its day Wittmann could hardly fail to succeed. But, he could also be reckless and one fateful day, possibly against his own best judgement he decided just once too often to risk taking the battle to his enemies. Deciding to advance into the enemy positions he committed pretty much the worst offence a tank commander is trained to avoid.....leaving his flank exposed to a potential enemy particularly as his Tiger's side armour was thinner and more easily penetrated. That would be the mistake that would cost him his life, to this day there lingers doubt over who rightfully can claim his demise and, it is hotly debated as is the argument over whether he was a hero, both camps devoutly defending their viewpoint.
