Herbert Fries – Fallschirm-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 1 (Pantherturm!)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Herbert Fries

Leutnant Herbert Fries (1 March 1925, Waldmühlen – 6 January 2014, Rennerod-Emmerichenhain) was a Fallschirmjäger and one of the youngest recipients of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes during the Second World War. Serving as a gunner in the 2./Fallschirm-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 1, 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division, he earned the Knight’s Cross for extraordinary anti-tank actions in Italy.

Award and Citation

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 5 September 1944, as Gefreiter und Geschützführer in the 2./Fallschirm-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 1

• Citation: Recognized for his outstanding performance manning a Pantherturm defensive position on the Via Casilina near Piedimonte during the battles of May 1944.

  • 21.05.1944 – Destroyed 7 Allied tanks

  • 22.05.1944 – Destroyed 6 additional tanks

  • 24.05.1944 – Destroyed another 7 tanks

  • Total: 20 enemy tanks destroyed in just three days, decisively slowing Allied advances.

• After exhausting their position, Fries and his crew destroyed their turret (“Schlafmütze” / sleepyhead) and withdrew with the retreating German forces.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcardsize

• Condition: As seen, well-preserved signature

Collector’s Note

Herbert Fries is remembered as one of the notable anti-tank fighters of the Luftwaffe’s ground formations. His signature is scarce compared to other Ritterkreuzträger, particularly on large-format photos such as this example. An impressive and historically rich autograph, highly desirable for collectors of Fallschirmjäger and anti-tank warfare memorabilia.