Two Leibstandarte riflemen during anti-partisan actions in northern Italy, 1943.

Leibstandarte in Italy

On january the 30th 1943 the teenage SS-Sturmmann Gerardus Mooyman (19) was promoted to commander of anti-tank gun. The numerous Red Army attacks near Mga killed dozens of crews so the legions needed new ones. Mooyman didn't hesitate and proved that he was a capable commander of his 75mm. anti-tank gun. During heavy enemy attacks he managed to destroy a couple of Soviet-Russian tanks. The next night Mooyman sighted a enemy gun very close to the Dutch and Norwegian lines. The young Dutchman silently crawled to the gun and destroyed it personally with a bursting charge...

The next morning the Dutch and Norwegian legion again were confronted with a number of Red armoured attacks. At the end of the day the 22th victory ring was painted on the barrel of Mooymans gun. He and his gun crew destroyed thirtheen tanks on a single day...
Decorations :
- Iron Cross, Second Class
- Iron Cross, First Class
- Knight's Cross
- Black Wound Badge
- Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze
- Eastern Front Medal

Saludos Jorge

Gerardus Mooyman

German casualtie during Operation 'Market Garden', summer 1944.