This section contains short, potted biographies of some of the personalities in the Leibstandarte who appear in the story of Michael Wittmann. These pages serve as introduction to these key figures, many of whom played a significant part in Wittmann’s career.

SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer und Panzer-Generaloberst der Waffen-SS Josef (Sepp) Dietrich

One of the original members of Hitler’s original bodyguard cadre, which later became the Leibstandarte, Sepp Dietrich was the the supreme commander of the division during Michael Wittmann’s career in the Waffen-SS.

SS-Sturmbannführer Heinrich (Heinz) Kling

Heinz Kling served as Michael Wittmann’s superior from late 1942, first as commander of the 4th (Heavy) Company LSSAH and subsequently as commander of the 13th (Heavy) Company LSSAH and the the 101st (Heavy) SS Panzer Battalion LSSAH.

SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinz von Westernhagen

Like Michael Wittmann, Heinz von Westernhagen was a veteran of the Sturmgeschütz battalion, before being transferred to the Panzers in late 1942. He was Wittmann’s superior as commander of the 101st (Heavy) SS Panzer Battalion LSSAH between 1943 and 1945.