Unit Card:
Set - Rarity - Number
D-Day - Rare - 38/45
North Africa - Rare - 47/60
Historical Background:
With 168 confirmed (possibly as high as 195) kills, Kurt Knispel was by far the most successful tanker of the Second World War and is even credited with knocking out a T-34 at 3000 meters, as well as the destruction of over 70 enemy Pak (anti-tank guns), and countless bunkers and field works. He fought in virtually every type of German tank as loader, gunner and commander. He was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class, after destroying his fiftieth enemy tank and the Tank Assault Badge in Gold after more than 100 tank battles. When Knispel had destroyed 126 enemy tanks (with another 20 unconfirmed kills), he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. He became the only non-commissioned officer of the German tank army to be named in a Wehrmacht communique. As commander of a Tiger I and then a Tiger II, Knispel destroyed another 42 enemy tanks.
Though he was recommended for it four times, Knispel never received the coveted Knight's Cross, a standard award for most other World War II German tank aces. Unlike some other commanders, Knispel was not consumed by the pursuit of decorations and did not suffer from a "sore throat", Heer slang for those who lusted after the Knight's Cross. When there were conflicting claims for a destroyed enemy tank, Knispel always stepped back, always willing to credit success to someone else.
Knispel's slow promotion is attributed to several conflicts with higher Nazi authorities (for instance, he assaulted an Einsatzgruppen officer whom he saw mistreating Soviet POWs) and a perceived view by some historians of his general lack of military bearing, sporting a goatee and hair longer than regulations. As per Lt Colonel Alfred Rubbel, Kurt was always willing to help (immer gewillt zu helfen…) and friendly (freundlich).
- Source: Wikipedia
Reviews:
Anonymous
The Veteran Tiger is probably the most hard hitting of the heavy tanks in this game. With its crack shot special ability it rarely misses its target and its heavy armor makes sure that it survives long enough to do some big damage. The only real problem with this unit is its very high cost which puts it in danger of being tank swarmed. Keep this unit in you bigger point builds and it can work wonders.
Glitterdiva
the 7-7-6 infantry attacks of this tank leave a lot to be desired, but the infantry attacks are made up for with the hard hitting vehicle attacks along with crack shot plus the 7-6 armor makes it a hard target to kill
Aran55633
Lot of armor, extended range 12, a high attack against vehicles, and crack shot. It can slaughter any vehicle and should be able to handle most infantry (5/5 infantry will probably be a hassle for this unit, but anything under that shouldn't be too much trouble, you should have some support capable of handling enemy infantry, and most infantry won't pose THAT much of a threat with an armor rating of 7/6). The most expensive German unit in the game, but there's simply no enemy vehicle that can go toe-to-toe with it… But given the price, you must ask yourself if three Panzer IVs wouldn't be a better investment, or perhaps some other combination. 68 points is a lot for one unit that’s launching just one attack each turn. Three Panzer IV’s are launching three attacks each turn.
Plastic Figure Notes:
Rescaled Veteran Tiger from the North Africa set (top, bottom) compared to the original from the D-Day Set.