SS Schwere-Panzer Abteilung 101 was the home of Tiger Aces -- and the Ace of Aces was SS-Hauptsturmführer Michael Wittman. When the sSSPzAbt 101 was formed in July 1943, Wittman was already a decorated tank commander from campaigns in Poland and the Balkans. It was with the 101 on the Eastern Front, however, where Wittman's prowess with the Tiger I tank became legend. Wittman's first battle experience with the Tiger I was during Operation Citadel in July 1943. On the first day, he destroyed two anti-tank guns and thirteen T-34 tanks. The third and fourth days, two T-34's, two SU-122's and three T-60/70's. Five days later, eight more Soviet tanks, three anti-tank guns and one battery.