A Brief History
On October 31, 1944, Dr. jur. Erich Göstl, a member of the Waffen SS, was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, to recognize extreme battlefield bravery for losing his face and eyes during the Battle of Normandy during World War II and continuing to fight while blind.
Digging Deeper
It is easy to dismiss Nazi Germany for its evil war crimes and the popular culture stereotypes of Germans during that dark moment in human history. Indeed, even this article is not intended to offer any praise to that ultimately failed state, but rather to remember just how horrifying the war was for all sides of the conflict. After all, in addition to the much reviled stereotypes of Nazis, a number of the individual soldiers did fight bravely and suffered considerably for the madcap dreams of the Nazi elites.
Göstl was one such individual soldier who experienced almost incomprehensible injuries during the latter portion of World War II and yet still continued to fight on despite his wounds.
This Viennese member of the 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler during the Normandy Campaign served as a machine gunner, manning an MG-42. While defending his position against an Allied attack, he was shot in his left eye, then wounded by shrapnel in his upper left arm. Yet, he continued to fire even after being hit in the other eye, essentially blinded. He next endured another hit, this time in his right cheek and nose area. Yet even now, with his face a bloody, mangled mess, Göstl still held firm!
Göstl survived the battle and the war and, thanks to his wife’s assistance, eventually earned a Doctorate of Law Degree from the University of Vienna before dying, at the age of 65, in October 1990 in Austria.
Question for students (and subscribers): Did anyone in your family fight in the European Theater of World War II? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more on this man and other recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II, please see Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Elite of the Third Reich: The Recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross 1939-45. Helion and Company, 2006.
Still the best overall reenactment of the Battle of Normandy remains Saving Private Ryan.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="549 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=549">84 Comments
Great article. It’s sad that we don’t know much about brave men like this that happened to fight on the Axis side.
Very interesting article! I love reading about soldiers doing extraordinary things for their nation, even if they were on the opposing side. My great grandfather served in World War II, and was awarded 3 bronze stars and 2 purple hearts!
As far as I know none of my relatives/ancestors have fought in World War II nor in any war. We have been fortunate to have not lost any of our family to a war but my heart goes out to those who have. I do have many friends who have fought in more recent wars…shout out to Crash and all the Combat Vets MC , as well as all the other Vets that hung with us at H&H in KCMO, Jessica Glasky who lost her whole crew to a Humvee explosion and being the only survivor. Love you all!!
My grandpa John and some of my great uncles from both sides of the family fought in world war two.
I think this man was brave and it’s sad to see bravery used for destruction in wars.
This guy was very brave!
That’s an amazing story. The fact that he kept fighting despite losing his vision and being shot multiple times shows the courage it takes to be a soldier.
When you believe in a cause as much as some of the soldiers did, this kind of story does not surprise me. I was surprised he kept firing and fighting even though he was blind and seriously wounded.
I wish they would share more story’s like this because then the people if still alive and the family can be honored by the service of that person
War is hell, no matter which side you’re fighting on.
He was a brave man, even if he was on the Nazi side. People who fight for their country are honorable and even though he suffered so much he still continued to fight.
Amazing! I have such a high respect for soldiers and that they fight for what they believe in, even though he was on the Nazis side.
I found this to be incredible. I am glad he still fought even though being injured, even though it was the nazi side, but i know i probably could never do that !
This was impressive! I would never be able to do that.
A very inspiring story because of the toughness of the solider and desire to continue fighting. Incredible.
Aside from being a Nazi, this is an extraordinary story. He showed great courage and perseverance. It is amazing that he was able to accomplish so much after such a horrible injury.
Although he was a Nazi, the courage this man had is astounding
This is a very inspiring article. I would never be able to do that. The bravery that man had is incredible.
none of my relatives have fought in World War II. this man’s bravery is inspiring!
A very tough guy to fight for his country after being injured and blinded.
It’s absolutely fascinating that this man continued to fight after his face was destroyed and lived to see not only the end of the battle, but the war, and lived until he was 65. It can sometimes be forgotten just how powerful the Nazi power was and many took it very seriously risking and losing their lives. Just like any other war, this man had something to fight for and he wasn’t going to give that up if he had something to do with it.
A guy that can fight so hard and be so strong to flight like this for his country shows a true hero. I feel that he is a guy that everyone should look up to because he went through a lot, but still managed to keep fighting.
His determination to continue fighting, survive, and go on to earn a doctorate is amazing and inspiring.
My great uncle fought in it. Very courageous man!
It truly is amazing how people can do what they do for our country. Putting their lives in danger, fighting, and being so brave is what makes these men hero’s. Reading this really makes me have goose bumps and fascinates me.
This guy really had commitment for his country, God bless him.
This man was a very tough guy and a true hero. He deserves so much respect and is such an inspiration.
This is truly amazing what people do for our country and freedom! Each person who willingly sacrifices their life for you and me is a true inspiration! love this article!
Wow, this is a great article. This man is a hero. I think it is sad how often we forget these amazing men and I wish they were recognized more often for what they have done.
This man is a hero! We need to remember those who literally sacrifice everything they have to fight for our freedom.
It is always fascinating to learn about the great people that fight for our country. Awesome article!
Fighting even without eyes? That is true bravery and patriotism.
It is amazing what people will do for their countries and how brave so many people are! Like how there are stories of soldiers jumping on grenades to save the rest of their men. It is truly amazing. I could not amazing fighting in battle without eyes. Truly patriotic!
I think it’s crazy that he fought with no eyes, he is truly an inspirational soldier.
That definitely takes some dedication to continue fighting after being wounded that severely. It’s awesome that he survived and eventually earned a law degree.
We never hear about our enemy’s brave soldiers and I think it’s important to understand that they are humans too. They may have been fighting under a hateful regime, but in essence, I’m sure many were just fighting for their families, as many Americans do. This man’s determination is prevalent, not just in this battle, but what he did after he got home. He got a Doctorate in Law!
Interesting article. Amazing that he survived the war and eventually earned a Doctorate of Law degree.
This is a great story; he was such a brave soldier.
I am surprised that they had let him continue fighting. He was so brave to continue fighting with all of his injuries.
I think its crazy that he continued to fight even without eyes.
This is an amazing story. One must have immense courage to fight in such a way without being able to see.
I find it amazing how he survived the war and earned his degree!
Wow, it is truly amazing to see that someone actually had the willpower to keep fighting even though he lost is eyes.
wow crazy how he was hit in the face all bloody and practically blind but still managed to stay firm and survived and later got a degree
This story is unbelievable and it is amazing that he went on to get a law degree.
I can’t believe Göstl continued to fire even though his left eye was taken out- he was very determined to defend his country.
I find it difficult to give anyone fighting for Hitler praise for being brave. I am not sure if it was bravery or fanaticism.
This is so unheard of. It is very patriotic, but it also seems pretty crazy.
This was a really good read! I could not imagine how strong and brave he had to have been to fight with the circumstances he was in!
It is amazing that he continued to fight despite his injuries and the pain he must have felt. What I find more astonishing is that he survived and even earned a Law degree afterwards.
I found Gostl’s fight and will for his country to be extraordinary. I find it hard to imagine the number of good soldiers brainwashed under Hitler’s rule.
I find it really awesome that even though he was unable to see that he continued to fight. It makes me wonder how many other instances like this there were during the war.
I think that it is really cool that Gostl was significatnly injured but still managed to earn a doctorate degree from the University of Vienna. Overall, I think that we can look up to men like Gostl’s heroism and audacity.
It’s interesting to read about what people will do to fight and protect their country and beliefs. No matter what gets in their way, these soldiers fight until they physically cannot anymore
What an amazing story. I feel as if many of these stories are not told. What a courageous man to still try to fight for this country after suffering such a trauma.
This is just incredible. I can’t imagine the pain he must have endured and the mere fact that he had to be in shock at some point and continued to fight.
A true definition of a man with pride, bravery, and a “never give up” attitude. Not only did he not give up in combat, but he didn’t give up on life after the fact. He was able to earn a law degree and is rightfully honored, even if he was on the opposing side.
This article is incredible and really exemplifies that you really can fight with everything you have. This man is so brave and passionate about his country that he fought when he did not even have eyes or a face to see. True bravery and he should forever be honored.
This is a true display of devotion continuing to sacrifice after most would give in to the injuries.
He was so bravery, that was so unbelievable to fight without eyes.
A great soldier should be respected by others. Of course, Erich Göstl was a great soldier. He was so brave that he could continue to fight while blind when he lost eyes.
Very interesting article. I can’t imagine the pain he felt but he still continued to fight. I do believe that one’s unit becomes like a family and people are willing to do what is necessary in order to save the people they care about.
I think that this is such an amazing article. Its amazing to see what people will do for their countries!
I couldn’t imagine fighting in a war, especially without eyes to see with! That was completely shocking.
This was a great article, I am saddened that we don’t know more information about what happened to the other people in the war
That is an incredible story! It is amazing that Gostl was able to survive so many hits to the face, let alone keep fighting!
It is hard to think about a man fighting for his country without eyes. It is cool that his wife helped him get a law degree.
This article really shows that there were brave men on both sides of the war, something that is not discussed very often.
The fact he survived is outstanding!
What an amazing article. I am glad that this man was honored for his bravery. I wonder how many more had something of this sort happen to them and they just did not survive but continued to fight as long as possible.
Amazing that someone can persevere through that all and even end up with a law degree. A great story.
This truly is an inspiring story and shows that this man fought for his country and what he believed in.
What a truly dedicated soldier to continue fighting despite his tragedy. So brave and bold, and certainly deserving of the honor and recognition!
Stories like this go to show that there were amazing acts of bravery on both sides. The thing some folks don’t take into account is the fact that many German soldiers were just that. Soldiers. A great many of them really had no idea the atrocities that their army was really committing.
I’m sure he fought out of fear in the end. He fought for what he believed in was right and he never gave up.
Amazing that he could not only go on and fight, but also live and have a full life after the war.
Unfortunate that such bravery was for such a brutal dictator. Regardless, his actions are commendable.
This is crazy!! This shows what courage and bravery it take to be a soldier in a world war.
A great man and hero through god only know the pain he went through he still continued to fight for his country. It is amazing that he was able to earn a Doctorate of Law Degree with the help of his wife.
This is a wonderful example of a man never giving up. Not only did this man continue to fight on the battle field but he made it out of the war alive. Continuing on to receive not just a bachelors degree, as if a bachelors would not have been enough, he received his Doctorate of Law Degree. Always set your goals high and strive to reach them.
It’s crazy the things people do for country. That man was a bloody mess, yet he still continued to fight the Allied forces.
It’s always important to think about the sacrifice of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Although, Hitler’s Germany was certainly evil, those fighting in his armies were human beings the same as ours. When we start to forget that, we are no better than the Nazis. Also, many men were forced to fight.
What an amazing country we live in where so many will put their lives on the front line to protect us. If fighting without eyes to be able to see what is happening is not bravery, then what is?
Amazing how he was covered in blood and still continued to fight for his country.