Joscha

by **Jason Pipes** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 1:13 am

Again, all I ask for is some evidence, proof, basis, factual presentation, or other form of support to add value to the claims he's made. Anyone who makes such claims ought to be able to back them up with SOMETHING.

by **sid guttridge** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 6:37 am

Jason's request is entirely reasonable.

By going onto a public forum, we are all implicitly obliged to offer some verification or sources for what we contend, if challenged. Joscha has been challenged and I await his reply with interest.

His verification is particularly important because, if his remarkable story is true, we are in the presence of one of the great soldiers of our time.

Over to you Joscha........

by **seakrieg** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 7:54 am

Hi Sepp,
Great post. I have no valid opinion on this matter, however, I agree with Sepp's post entirely. As an author dealing with the U-boats I have spoken to many veterans and have frequently found that they were far more concerned with staying alive than worrying about the way their jacket did up and what size buttons they wore. It wasn't that long ago that I showed a KC holder, still healthy and fit in mind and body, a photograph of himself aboard his own boat and he asked me who it was!

I am 35 years old - it's easy to judge history from my desk in England. We are not at war (yet) and I do not know what is was like in a U-boat, foxhole in Russia, Panzer in North Africa or any of it. But I study the subject and can quote much information, much of which is constantly evolving as new things come to light.

Anyway, like I said, I have no opinion worth stating about Joscha's integrity. I have never met nor spoken with him. I just wanted to back up what Sepp stated in his posting.
Cheers
Lawrence

by **Björn** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 10:20 am

Hello all!
This is turning into a very emotional topic, and they usually turn ugly after a while.
There is no way that anyone on this Forum can "prove" that Joscha is a real veteran or not. So noone can take a stand for, or against the subject.
Jason, as owner of this site has full right to ask the question he does, and he should do it. I am quite sure that Joscha can give some proof, without getting too exposed.
I understand Joscha if he feels insulted, by all means!!! But Joscha will also know how the many "affecionadas" on this Forum would feel if they have been fooled for quite some time.
I hope that this matter gets solved without people leaving the Forum.
A certain degree of professionality must be kept.

B.

by **Jason Pipes** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 11:20 am

Björn, I agree with you 100%, there is no reason for anyone to get upset about anything here, provided it all stays above the board. I respect Joscha but have questions about things he's posted here and given to me to post in a public forum. Because of that, I thing I, and all of us, have a right to inquire about those questions. It is up to Joshca to decide if he would like to respond to those questions or not in some form. I think seakrieg said it best, if his story is true we are among some of the most important soldiers of our time, which is all the more reason to question and have any doubt set aside so we can move forward knowing full well we have access to someone as significant as he suggests.

by **Skorzeny** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 12:29 pm

Jason's request is not unreasonable. I hope this can all be worked out. Have a great day!!!

by **Wolfkin** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 1:17 pm

Hey guys!!!

I understand everyone's opinions. I understand what Sepp is saying and I understand what Jason is saying. Only someone that was in the actual Army can know what it was like. I was in the Army before and find it hard to explain it to someone who was not. However, the study of Military History is very important in my opinion.

I can not remember very many details like where I was at a certain time etc. All I have are my memories and certain things that stuck with me. This is why Military History is important. Memories tell us HOW it was whereas the history tells us WHAT, WHERE, WHY etc etc.

I believe a combination of both is important to fully understand the whole thing. The study of the conflict fills in gaps that the memories leave and the memories bring life to numbers and stats. This is how we can better understand the conflicts and search for the truth.

Without Military History our history would be of "a few paratroopers versus hundreds of Tiger tanks and 88's".

I am the first one to say that you can not fault a veteran for not remembering a few things but there are some details that history can provide us to see the validity of some accounts. I realize that some memories can get mixed over time but sometimes one will find that some "memories" can be easily created. But, with a close study and verification of the facts one can find certain things that just do not wash.

I have known people to exaggerate their combat and military experiences. Lots of people gossip and tell tales for whatever reasons. You can usually tell if they are bsing or not. Sometimes it is hard but there are things that you can look for. Also, there are some things that a real veteran would NEVER forget.

Anyways, cheers to everyone!!!

Wolfkin

by **Jason Pipes** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 1:26 pm

Something to keep in mind here, no one has faulted Joscha for not recalling details. He was never faulted for anything other than making SIGNIFICANT claims, such as being in paratroop school, in a Sturmpanzer at Kursk, destroying 28 T34s in a King Tiger equiped with night vision equipment in the last days of WWII, etc, etc. On the contrary, most have mentioned how MUCH Joscha seems to know. Details about anything and everything, and lots of em. Ironically the opposite of most situations with vets, he seems to be sharp as a tack and recalls every last detail. Not really a problem in and of itself, but when added to all the rest it begs the question that started this entire debate. But alas, it is obvious he is not going to return to defend his comments, so I guess the entire debate is moot.

by **Viciouspiggy** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 2:01 pm

Well for gods sake man go and call him! Don't keep us waiting! The suspense is killing me!

by **SunLife** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 4:39 pm

Jason I strongly suggest you stop this mess and contact Joscha ASAP to try and clear it up, as he has already offered.
The rest of you baying for blood, give it a rest. Just remember this could be another Rudi you are besmirching here.

This is not a kangeroo court, and never should have been proclaimed here without establishing the facts before hand. It's not as if Joscha did not offer the facts on a plate, all you had to do was get in touch with him.

by **Jason Pipes** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 4:43 pm

I'm in the process, although he's already made it clear he'd rather not speak to me or anyone else here. Funny. As well, I was perfectly justified in bringing it up on the the forum as much of the concern was already public knowledge, based on public information.

by **sid guttridge** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 9:25 am

Hi Guys,

Surely it is Joscha's responsibility to substantiate his own claims and not Jason's responsibility to do it for him?

If pressure is to be brought to bear for clarification it should be on Joscha, not Jason.

Cheers,

Sid.

by **michael kenny** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 9:57 am

This could be resolved fairly quickly if he would just give his last name. Naming the 'Unit' that had the Infra-Red Tigers would also be coup for him as no record of this equipment being used on these tanks has survived.

by **Wolfkin** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 11:19 pm

Hey guys!

My post was just meant as a way of seeing both sides. I understand what some of you have said by saying that this could be a "Rudi" that we are doubting. I know, on the old Feldgrau Forum I defended Rudi when some people were slamming him.

This case seems a bit different and what I am saying is that I can understand Jason if he has some doubts. If Jason and others have doubts then I am sure that there is a reason for it.

I do not know enough about the situation to have very much of an opinion. He could be telling the truth or he might not be, I do not know. I do know that I would like to find out the truth soon.

Cheers,

Wolfkin

by **Craig** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 7:13 am

And if Joscha does drop his last name into the equation, just how many Fruitloops out there will start pestering him by telephone and mail?

If I was he, I would not let you know my last name, but I would definately try to come up with something to substantate my stories. Joscha, perhaps if you sent me all of your wartime memento's for safe keeping it would help to clear this up. just kidding of course.

Joscha

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