Original Scarce Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Harzer. SS-Standartenführer Walter Harzer (29 September 1912, Landau an der Isar † 29 May 1982, Stuttgart) was a Waffen-SS officer who rose to the rank of SS-Standartenführer during the Second World War. A staff-trained officer, he is best remembered for his role as Ia (operations officer) of the 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen” during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944, where he earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.
Award:
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 21 September 1944, as SS-Obersturmbannführer and Ia of 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen”, for his decisive role in repelling British airborne forces during Operation Market Garden (Arnhem).
Career Highlights:
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Joined the SS in the prewar years and advanced as a staff officer within the Waffen-SS.
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As operations officer of 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen”, played a central part in organizing the German defense during the Battle of Arnhem, contributing to the failure of the British 1st Airborne Division’s attempt to hold the Arnhem bridgehead.
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For his performance at Arnhem, awarded the Knight’s Cross, one of the few operations officers to receive the decoration.
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Later rose to SS-Standartenführer, continuing his service with Waffen-SS formations until the end of the war.
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After the war, lived quietly in West Germany until his death in 1982.
Item Details:
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Authentic scarce postwar signature of SS-Standartenführer Walter Harzer.
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Signed on a postwar photograph.
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Condition: As seen, with clear autograph.