About the BOOK
Based on a True Story
INTRODUCTION
During the 1941 invasion of Russia, a young German tank gunner is appalled by the atrocities committed by his fellow soldiers. In a war that tests his moral courage, his battle resilience, and challenges his very humanity, he must find the strength to do his duty while standing up for what is right— even if it means standing alone.
Our story begins in 1937, in Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia.
Two competitive German brothers. The older brother is conceited, arrogant, and the soccer team captain. He runs his life with intimidation and dominance, and he’s dad’s favorite son.
The younger brother, Kurt Knispel, is hell-bent on mastering life’s challenges. He is highly motivated to earn both his dad’s and his brother’s respect and acceptance. Kurt desires a family life with the woman of his dreams.
Kurt is easygoing, helpful, and ego-free. He is quick and focused. He also learned from his father to be true to himself and those around him.
We follow Kurt Knispel through his high school years, his job at the auto factory, hunting exploits with his dad and brother, witnessing sibling conflicts and romantic rivalry with his older brother over a mutual love interest.
But something gets in the way: World War II.
Both brothers enlist. Kurt goes into tanks. Kurt fought almost all of his battles on the Eastern Front, including the biggest tank battle of all time.
On the way to the Eastern Front, Kurt demonstrates personal courage when he comes to the aid of a Russian POW being mistreated by a guard. He could have looked the other way like so many others, but not Kurt. He did what his father told him— he jumped in. The guard’s rifle was smashed, and the guard himself ended up on the ground, with Kurt fuming over him.
It cost Kurt dearly. He never got the promotions or medals his actual performance deserved.
Kurt's solid combat performance (12 victories in 1941-1942) ultimately earned him a gunner slot in the new Tiger I tank in 1943.
At that time, it was the most powerful tank on the battlefield.
In 1943, he proved himself definitively during the bloody Battle of Kursk, Russia. At Kursk, over 8,000 tanks clashed head to head. Kurt scored a stunning 27 victories in 3 weeks of horrific, chaotic tank-on-tank combat. This was by far the war's largest single tank battle.
Kurt excelled in this devil’s inferno.
And it was just the start of Kurt Knispel's long string of tank victories, making him the most successful tank ace (from all sides) in WWII.
During the war, by being bold and taking calculated risks, Kurt finally earned the respect from his older brother that he always yearned for.
Most of all, Kurt has the love and devotion of the girl of his dreams... with full acceptance from his older brother.
This story will remind us that soldiers can do both: fulfill their duty and honor their own moral code. It’s time to give Kurt Knispel a proper recounting. This is the highest honor we can do for each other as humans.
His final tally: 168 victories.
“The Ace of Aces of WWII.”
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This is an excellent 11-minute video summary of Kurt Knispel’s actual war record:
https://youtu.be/oH5rNCGK5bc
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For actual pictures (over 29) with full text descriptions of Kurt Knispel in WWII, click on the button below ("Find out more about Kurt Knispel").
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This is an excellent 11 minute video summary of Kurt Knispel Actual War Record
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Mini Treatment
Why did I write this particular story?
"Tiger One" story enthusiasts asked me "How did I come to learn about Kurt Knispel?"
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To write my Action/Drama/Bio story, I had read about him about 12 years ago, totally by accident. I was very impressed with the facts about this extraordinary man, you so well documented in this video. The man stood by his personal code when everyone else looked the other way. I was stunned the he is a total unknown, except for knowledgeable students of war. As you pointed out, he was so forgotten that they didn't find his body until 2013.
----- Must watch video about Kurt
This is an excellent 11 minute video summary of Kurt Knispel Actual War Record
https://youtu.be/oH5rNCGK5bc
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In 2018, for a variety of personal reasons, I decided to quit t my DFW corporate marketing job and become a screenwriter here in Austin, Texas. Desiring a fantastic career in Hollywood, I knew that I had to have a good story. I mean a really good story. To me, the best stories are true stories. People will respond to a genuine person who did his duty, took care of his mates, and made proper moral decisions even under brutal and barbaric conditions.
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He could have looked the other way but he chose the higher path .... and it cost him plenty. This is a real story. Real people. Real consequences. I served during the Vietnam Era and knew of the brutality of both sides of that ugly war. Also i was saddened the way our soldiers were treated (by our own people) when returning from doing their duty. My dad flew 75 P-51 recon missions over Europe, including a "first look" at Bastogne on December 26, 1944. My mom lost her brother during the Battle of the Bulge. My oldest daughter is currently serving in the USAF.
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This movie will remind us that soldiers can do both: duty and honor their own moral code. It's time to give Kurt Knispel a proper recounting.... this is the highest honor us humans can do for each other.
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