Hitler's First 'Foreign Hero' - Dutch SS Knight's Cross

In early 1943, the first foreigner was awarded Germany's highest war decoration, the Knight's Cross. This is the story of anti-tank gunner Gerardus Mooyman, the Dutch teenager who became a Nazi propaganda icon.

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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bruce Marvin; A. Nilssen Photography; Gary Todd; Michielverbeek

[sailordude]

I don't think you will ever run out of interesting, unknown WWII stories! Thanks, Mark!

[jeffreywaugh]

It’s always crazy to me to hear about guys who survive intense frontline combat only to be killed driving to the grocery store in a car crash.

[LavaLahaie]

Without a doubt, one of the finest YouTube channels ever. Absolute first class.

[chrismooiman]

My family name is Mooiman, in the Netherlands. Only one letter difference. My grandfather, also named Gerardus, often encountered trouble with official business like at postoffices.
I have heard about the mix-ups from my grandfather but this is so much more information! Thank you for that.

[jamesgarman]

Thank you Dr. Mark for telling and keeping this story alive for the annals of history. Many thanks for posting!

[tony]

Thank you! my great grandfather served along with him, he got them trough the hardship of war, a few dutch soldiers got executed by the germans for ignoring orders and retreating from their position at leningrad, according to my great grandfather gerardus was furious but could not really do anything about it, He was a great comedian that was motivating others to not think and just fight, He just played along and regretted that very after the war.
My great grandfather aswell, he passed when i was 6 in 97 and i got called the ''nazi boy'' in my village, the dutch really where unforgiving on men like gerardus and my great grandfather.
I wish whe werent and they could have openly talked about their choices, so that we could all learn about it.
His diary with some stories is what he left to me, with the note i would try to understand, since i was young and open minded, he really made me fascinated about the world war and the psychology of men, why did they chose that voluntarily? He wrote that he had a deep fear of communism but also poverty, and it paid well for our family, and thats why he made the choice, later in life he never cared about money because of that choice. ''Live happy, poverty is a state of mind, you can only be broke''

[jokodihaynes]

Former waffen SS volunteers fought in Korea and Indochina

[adamlee]

This evenings history education sorted. Thanks Mark.

[tomthebomb]

Always love the cover art choices mark! Reminds me of my airfix days as a boy!

[globaltravelmate]

Thank you for sharing Mark. As an history buff and Dutch, I love this story.

[krisfrederick]

That the French SS were the last defending Berlin says everything and nothing in one last breath.

[britsjansen]

Thank you for keeping WW2 history alive, as the last eye witnesses are passing away. Keep in mind that a lot of SS volunteers went for a sense of adventure as well. In this time before the internet and television, traveling 2 villages over was already considered an adventure; going to war was one of the few opportunities a young man had to see the world.

With regards to the treatment of Eastern Front veterans; my grandfather, who was only a teenager during the war, later stated that he was disgusted by how collaborators were treated post-war. Not because he didn't think they didn't deserve punishment, but because 99% of the Dutch were content to do nothing during the war years, and had no moral standing to punish others.

[raybarry]

Regardless of the side he chose, you can't deny his devotion, dedication and bravery. The German army/SS didn't just hand out the Knights cross to just anyone.

[paulcollis]

Was aware of him many years ago from BRUCE QUARRIE book THE SS - HITLERS SAMURAI. Very similar story to that of FRITZ CHRISTEN of the TOTENKOPF division. Whatever the politics, a brave man. Not all dutchmen were pro British obviously. Thankyou again Herr Professor

[junkbug]

He was one of the lucky ones.

Also, that French 1897 75mm gun was the inspiration for the 75 mm gun on the early Sherman tasks, and fired interchangeable ammunition.
The first American tank Destroyers were half tracks with WWI surplus 1897 75mm guns, both French and American made.

[angelogarcia]

A video about Miguel Ezquerra of the blue legion and later SS would be interesting. If there is enough info about him.

[TyroneJohn]

He survived fighting T34s and Soviet artilleries, but died in a car accident at age 63! What a ridiculous way to die for a war veteran! I just feel shock for the cause of his death.

[MrManHawk]

You must have the most incredible source access to find all these fascinating stories. Also impressive is all the digging to put the pieces together, well done. Thank you.

[goosehunter]

Gerardus Mooyman was a real killer of the T34. Without the support of drones, without electronic devices, and relying solely on the gun's aiming instruments, he was able to destroy such a large number of moving combat vehicles... Amazing! Thank you for the great video, Dr. Felton. 💪

[matthewevans]

Mr felton sir I wish to stress just how good and interesting your content is. From narration to imagery this channel just stands head and shoulders above any other, good darts sir please persist in these endeavours.... Thankyou !!