German Forces

Baltic warrior.

Harald Nugiseks, 20th Waffen Grenadierdivision der SS (1st Estonian - note collar patch). Nugiseks was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross - one of four Estonians who were awarded this decoration - following his courageous and innovative actions in the course of German resistance to the Soviet Narva Offensive, February 1944. Unlike the vast majority of the soldiers of the 20th, Nugiseks was a volunteer - he had joined the Estonian Legion in 1943. The Waffen SS had moved a long way from voluntarism and German exclusivism since 1942 ... Best regards, JR.