Friedrich Pein
Friedrich Pein - sniper
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://ww2incolor.com/gallery/colorizations/28944/friedrich-pein
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://ww2incolor.com/gallery/colorizations/28944/friedrich-pein
Friedrich Pein
20 October 1915 – 14 February 1975 (1975-02-15) (aged 59)
Place of birth Spitz in Radkersburg, Styria (Austria)
Place of death Mureck in Radkersburg, Styria (Austria)
Allegiance Nazi Germany
Years of service 1938 - 1945
Rank Oberjäger
Unit 2./JägRgt 227
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Iron Cross 2nd & 1st class
Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross
Friedrich Pein (October 20, 1915 - February 14, 1975) was a renowned German sniper during World War II, and one of two to have been awarded the Ritterkreuz (the other being Matthias Hetzenauer; sometimes Josef Allerberger is also referred to as a Knight’s Cross recipient, however no evidence sustaining his claim prevailed World War II).
The son of a farmer, he enlisted in the Wehrmacht in October 1938. His first combat role came as a sniper in the 12th company Gebirgsjägerregiment 143 serving in the Soviet Union.
At the start of 1944, he was transferred to the 2nd Company Jäger-Regiment 227 where he served in the Adolf Grubinger Group. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on December 1, and eight days later was awarded the 1st Class.
On February 28, 1945, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross marking his 200th kill as a sniper, and that spring also saw him awarded the Close Combat Clasp.
Over the course of the war, he was wounded three times before being captured and held as a POW.