Exceptional set of 9x Total (7) original wartime and (2) postwar photographs of Hauptmann Bernhard Klemz (1918–2004), Knight’s Cross and German Cross in Gold recipient, commander of 5./Panzer-Regiment “Großdeutschland”. Several photographs bear period autographs and inscriptions on the reverse, dated 1943–1944, with one postwar signature from 1958. The set includes formal studio portraits in uniform as well as informal front photographs showing Klemz with fellow officers during field operations.
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes)
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German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold)
Historical Context:
Bernhard Klemz earned the Knight’s Cross on 4 June 1944 as Hauptmann und Chef 5.Kompanie/ Panzer-Regiment “Großdeutschland”, for decisive leadership during the battles near Târgu Frumos (Romania) in April 1944. Commanding 19 Panzer IVs, Klemz led a surprise attack on Soviet armoured concentrations, destroying twenty tanks and multiple artillery positions while sustaining minimal losses. His tactical success was later cited as a model example of mobile armoured warfare in the Eastern Front campaigns.
Klemz’s prior awards included the German Cross in Gold (10 February 1944), reflecting consistent excellence in command during operations in the East.
Collector’s Note:
This is a rare, cohesive photographic grouping connected to one of the notable Panzer officers of the “Großdeutschland” Division. The presence of multiple signed photographs, personal inscriptions, and clear period provenance make this set highly desirable for collectors of Knight’s Cross recipients, Panzertruppen memorabilia, or Großdeutschland Division history.
All prints exhibit sharp contrast and period authenticity — several showing studio backstamps or annotations from 1943–1944.