Hello all. I've been doing some research on WWII German armour and came across a list of Knights Cross holders. My last name (Vancil) has been spelled Wenzel in the past. Having said that there are not many people with that last name. I've found a Karl B. Wenzel who was a regimental commander in the 24. Panzer Division. He was awarded the KC 8.12.44 and apparently was KIA 9.22.44.

The 24 Panzer was attatched to the German 17th army which was a part of army group south on the eastern front.

So now begins the task of seeing if this man is a relative, and to dig deep and learn more about him.

I have discovered two books about that division in the biblography and need to find them in print. Both are in German (no big deal, I can read/speak German). So does anyone here know of a dealer who sells obscure unit history books?

That is pretty interesting. My fathers family came from Germany in the late 1890's. However Adams, is a fairly common name.

I do not know many dealers of the books you are looking for, but I wish you luck in your search.

Hi Jon, I found a book on E-bay titled Death of the Leaping Horsemen 24 Panzer in Stalingrad. The item # is 280137747023. The book is described in detail. Hope this helps...Vince

Vince, that book is about the pre Stalingrad unit. Apparently it was assigned to the 6th army and was destroyed in the battle. The unit was then rebuilt in France in 1943. I'm not certain if Karl Wenzel was in the unit prior to the rebuild. He may have been on medical furlough or reassignment at the time of the battle of Stalingrad. I'll check the book out. Thanks!

Good luck on your search! We traced my grandmothers side and it was tiresome but well worth the effort! I would recommend trying to search some russian sources as they may also offer some suprising insights and details not found elsewhere from "the other side." Just FYI