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SS-Oberscharführer Ernst Barkmann (25 August 1919, Kisdorf † 27 June 2009, Kisdorf) was a Waffen-SS NCO and tank commander in the 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich.” He became one of the division’s most famous Panzer aces and was decorated for his actions in Normandy during the summer of 1944.

Barkmann received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 27 August 1944 as SS-Unterscharführer und Panzerkommandant in the 4./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2. His most renowned action, often referred to as “Barkmann’s Corner,” took place near Le Lorey, where his Panther tank reportedly destroyed numerous Allied vehicles in a single engagement, halting an American advance.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 27 August 1944, as SS-Unterscharführer und Panzerkommandant, 4./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2, 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich.”

• Other wartime decorations included the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, Panzer Badge in Silver, and the Wound Badge.

Item Details

• Authentic postwar signature of SS-Oberscharführer Ernst Barkmann.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Size: Postcard format.

• Condition: As seen, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note

Ernst Barkmann’s reputation as a Panzer ace of the Waffen-SS, particularly tied to the legendary events at “Barkmann’s Corner,” makes his signature highly sought after among collectors of armored warfare memorabilia and Knight’s Cross recipients. Postwar signed photographs of Barkmann are increasingly scarce and represent an important piece of history from the Normandy campaign and the Das Reich Division.

Original Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe award document issued to Obergefreiter Ludwig Giehl, serving with 4. Kompanie / Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 3. The award was conferred in January 1944, during a period of sustained and intense ground combat by German Fallschirmjäger formations on the Italian front.

The document is an original wartime Verleihungsurkunde, printed in the correct format with the Luftwaffe eagle at the head and the formal wording „Im Namen des Oberbefehlshabers der Luftwaffe“. The recipient’s name, rank, and unit are neatly typewritten, fully consistent with period practice. It bears the original Luftwaffe stamp and a clear handwritten signature.

Signature

The document is signed by Oberst Karl-Lothar Schulz, at the time acting in a senior divisional command capacity. Schulz is a highly distinguished Fallschirmjäger officer and later Generalmajor der Luftwaffe, awarded the:

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (24 May 1940)

• Eichenlaub (20 April 1944)

• Schwerter (18 November 1944)

Schulz was a veteran of the Norway campaign, the Western campaign, Crete, the Eastern Front, and later commanded Fallschirmjäger forces in Italy. Award documents bearing his signature are particularly sought after due to his status as a Knight’s Cross holder with Eichenlaub and Swords.

Recipient & Combat History

Obergefreiter Ludwig Eichl served with Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 3, a regiment of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division. According to an accompanying copied document included with this piece, Eichl also served on Crete, directly linking him to one of the most famous airborne operations of the war (Unternehmen Merkur, May 1941).

By January 1944, Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 3 was engaged in heavy ground combat in Italy, including defensive fighting in advance of and during the Anzio campaign. The award of the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe reflects direct participation in sustained infantry combat, a distinction not lightly granted and especially meaningful among Fallschirmjäger personnel.

Condition

Very good original condition. One horizontal fold as issued. Light age toning and minor handling wear consistent with wartime documents. Stamp and signature remain strong and legible. Also has two punch holes.

Collector’s Note

This is a high-quality Fallschirmjäger combat award document with multiple desirable attributes:

• Frontline Fallschirmjäger unit attribution

• Italian Front, January 1944

• Additional provenance linking the recipient to Crete

• Signed by Karl-Lothar Schulz, Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern

An excellent and historically significant piece for the advanced Fallschirmjäger or Luftwaffe awards collector, combining combat history, elite unit service, and a top-tier signature.