Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Leopold Hackl

Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Leopold Hackl (29 June 1916 – 15 November 2010) served as a Luftwaffe pilot during the Second World War. He distinguished himself as a Flugzeugführer with Nachtschlachtgruppe 3, a night ground-attack unit, where he earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in the closing months of the war.

Awards and Decorations

• Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse)

• Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse)

• Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Bronze & Silver

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 20 March 1945 as Oberfeldwebel und Flugzeugführer, Stab/Nacht­schlachtgruppe 3

Knight’s Cross Action

Hackl received the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding bravery and skill in conducting numerous low-level night ground-attack missions against Soviet targets. His determined flying in obsolete aircraft under constant enemy fire significantly disrupted Soviet supply lines and troop concentrations during the desperate defensive battles of early 1945.

Career Highlights

• Night Ground-Attack Specialist: Operated in close air support and harassment roles at night, flying vulnerable aircraft at low altitude against heavily defended Soviet positions.

• Ritterkreuz Recognition: Awarded for his exceptional courage and effectiveness during the last phase of the war, when the Luftwaffe’s resources were stretched to the limit.

• Postwar Life: Survived the war and lived until 2010, passing away at the age of 94.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clean autograph

Collector’s Note

Leopold Hackl stands out as one of the few Nachtschlachtgruppe pilots to be awarded the Knight’s Cross, highlighting the importance of low-level night attack units in the final defensive battles of the Eastern Front. His signature is a scarce addition to any collection focusing on Luftwaffe pilots or Ritterkreuzträger of late-war ground-attack formations.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl Glätzer

Karl Glätzer (1 February 1915, Solingen/Rhineland – 13 September 2013, Cologne) was a German officer in the Heer who rose to the rank of Hauptmann during the Second World War. A highly decorated infantry officer of the 126. Infanterie-Division, he was recognized for his repeated bravery and leadership on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in April 1944.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 April 1944 as Hauptmann, Führer I./Grenadier-Regiment 426, 126. Infanterie-Division

Knight’s Cross Action

Glätzer received the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding leadership of I./Grenadier-Regiment 426 during heavy defensive battles on the Eastern Front. Despite repeated wounds—including five separate combat injuries by early 1944—he returned to the front and led his men with determination. His personal courage and ability to stabilize critical sectors of the front under extreme Soviet pressure were decisive in maintaining the cohesion of his division’s defensive line.

Career Highlights

• Entered service before the war and initially served with Infanterie-Regiment 426, part of the 126. Infanterie-Division.

• Distinguished himself as a front-line company and later battalion commander.

• Repeatedly wounded in combat, eventually receiving the Gold Wound Badge for his fifth injury.

• As Hauptmann and battalion leader, earned the Knight’s Cross for his command during the brutal winter and spring fighting of 1944.

• Survived the war and lived until 2013, reaching the age of 98.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Karl Glätzer is a representative of the hard-fighting Ritterkreuzträger of the infantry, whose service reflects the resilience and sacrifice of front-line leaders of the Eastern Front. His combination of awards—especially the Knight’s Cross and the rare Gold Wound Badge—underscores both his combat effectiveness and the heavy personal toll of his service.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl Glätzer

Karl Glätzer (1 February 1915, Solingen/Rhineland – 13 September 2013, Cologne) was a German officer in the Heer who rose to the rank of Hauptmann during the Second World War. A highly decorated infantry officer of the 126. Infanterie-Division, he was recognized for his repeated bravery and leadership on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in April 1944.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 April 1944 as Hauptmann, Führer I./Grenadier-Regiment 426, 126. Infanterie-Division

Knight’s Cross Action

Glätzer received the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding leadership of I./Grenadier-Regiment 426 during heavy defensive battles on the Eastern Front. Despite repeated wounds—including five separate combat injuries by early 1944—he returned to the front and led his men with determination. His personal courage and ability to stabilize critical sectors of the front under extreme Soviet pressure were decisive in maintaining the cohesion of his division’s defensive line.

Career Highlights

• Entered service before the war and initially served with Infanterie-Regiment 426, part of the 126. Infanterie-Division.

• Distinguished himself as a front-line company and later battalion commander.

• Repeatedly wounded in combat, eventually receiving the Gold Wound Badge for his fifth injury.

• As Hauptmann and battalion leader, earned the Knight’s Cross for his command during the brutal winter and spring fighting of 1944.

• Survived the war and lived until 2013, reaching the age of 98.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Karl Glätzer is a representative of the hard-fighting Ritterkreuzträger of the infantry, whose service reflects the resilience and sacrifice of front-line leaders of the Eastern Front. His combination of awards—especially the Knight’s Cross and the rare Gold Wound Badge—underscores both his combat effectiveness and the heavy personal toll of his service.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl Glätzer

Karl Glätzer (1 February 1915, Solingen/Rhineland – 13 September 2013, Cologne) was a German officer in the Heer who rose to the rank of Hauptmann during the Second World War. A highly decorated infantry officer of the 126. Infanterie-Division, he was recognized for his repeated bravery and leadership on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in April 1944.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 April 1944 as Hauptmann, Führer I./Grenadier-Regiment 426, 126. Infanterie-Division

Knight’s Cross Action

Glätzer received the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding leadership of I./Grenadier-Regiment 426 during heavy defensive battles on the Eastern Front. Despite repeated wounds—including five separate combat injuries by early 1944—he returned to the front and led his men with determination. His personal courage and ability to stabilize critical sectors of the front under extreme Soviet pressure were decisive in maintaining the cohesion of his division’s defensive line.

Career Highlights

• Entered service before the war and initially served with Infanterie-Regiment 426, part of the 126. Infanterie-Division.

• Distinguished himself as a front-line company and later battalion commander.

• Repeatedly wounded in combat, eventually receiving the Gold Wound Badge for his fifth injury.

• As Hauptmann and battalion leader, earned the Knight’s Cross for his command during the brutal winter and spring fighting of 1944.

• Survived the war and lived until 2013, reaching the age of 98.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Karl Glätzer is a representative of the hard-fighting Ritterkreuzträger of the infantry, whose service reflects the resilience and sacrifice of front-line leaders of the Eastern Front. His combination of awards—especially the Knight’s Cross and the rare Gold Wound Badge—underscores both his combat effectiveness and the heavy personal toll of his service.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl Glätzer

Karl Glätzer (1 February 1915, Solingen/Rhineland – 13 September 2013, Cologne) was a German officer in the Heer who rose to the rank of Hauptmann during the Second World War. A highly decorated infantry officer of the 126. Infanterie-Division, he was recognized for his repeated bravery and leadership on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in April 1944.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 April 1944 as Hauptmann, Führer I./Grenadier-Regiment 426, 126. Infanterie-Division

Knight’s Cross Action

Glätzer received the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding leadership of I./Grenadier-Regiment 426 during heavy defensive battles on the Eastern Front. Despite repeated wounds—including five separate combat injuries by early 1944—he returned to the front and led his men with determination. His personal courage and ability to stabilize critical sectors of the front under extreme Soviet pressure were decisive in maintaining the cohesion of his division’s defensive line.

Career Highlights

• Entered service before the war and initially served with Infanterie-Regiment 426, part of the 126. Infanterie-Division.

• Distinguished himself as a front-line company and later battalion commander.

• Repeatedly wounded in combat, eventually receiving the Gold Wound Badge for his fifth injury.

• As Hauptmann and battalion leader, earned the Knight’s Cross for his command during the brutal winter and spring fighting of 1944.

• Survived the war and lived until 2013, reaching the age of 98.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Karl Glätzer is a representative of the hard-fighting Ritterkreuzträger of the infantry, whose service reflects the resilience and sacrifice of front-line leaders of the Eastern Front. His combination of awards—especially the Knight’s Cross and the rare Gold Wound Badge—underscores both his combat effectiveness and the heavy personal toll of his service.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl Glätzer

Karl Glätzer (1 February 1915, Solingen/Rhineland – 13 September 2013, Cologne) was a German officer in the Heer who rose to the rank of Hauptmann during the Second World War. A highly decorated infantry officer of the 126. Infanterie-Division, he was recognized for his repeated bravery and leadership on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in April 1944.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 April 1944 as Hauptmann, Führer I./Grenadier-Regiment 426, 126. Infanterie-Division

Knight’s Cross Action

Glätzer received the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding leadership of I./Grenadier-Regiment 426 during heavy defensive battles on the Eastern Front. Despite repeated wounds—including five separate combat injuries by early 1944—he returned to the front and led his men with determination. His personal courage and ability to stabilize critical sectors of the front under extreme Soviet pressure were decisive in maintaining the cohesion of his division’s defensive line.

Career Highlights

• Entered service before the war and initially served with Infanterie-Regiment 426, part of the 126. Infanterie-Division.

• Distinguished himself as a front-line company and later battalion commander.

• Repeatedly wounded in combat, eventually receiving the Gold Wound Badge for his fifth injury.

• As Hauptmann and battalion leader, earned the Knight’s Cross for his command during the brutal winter and spring fighting of 1944.

• Survived the war and lived until 2013, reaching the age of 98.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: A5-size.

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Karl Glätzer is a representative of the hard-fighting Ritterkreuzträger of the infantry, whose service reflects the resilience and sacrifice of front-line leaders of the Eastern Front. His combination of awards—especially the Knight’s Cross and the rare Gold Wound Badge—underscores both his combat effectiveness and the heavy personal toll of his service.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Glasner

Leutnant Günther Glasner (26 August 1917, Drehnow/Brandenburg – 22 June 2012, Berlin/Brandenburg) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe airman who served as a Bordschütze (air gunner) during the Second World War. Over the course of the war, he flew an impressive 513 combat sorties, primarily with Lehrgeschwader 1 and later Kampfgeschwader 6.

Awards and Decorations

• Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe – 5 July 1941, as member of 9./Lehrgeschwader 1

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 13 August 1942, as Feldwebel, Stab III./Lehrgeschwader 1

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 31 December 1943, as Oberfeldwebel and Bordschütze, Stab/Kampfgeschwader 6

Knight’s Cross Citation

Glasner was awarded the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding performance during 410 combat sorties up to late 1943, many of them flown under the command of Hermann Hogeback, himself a Schwerterträger. Glasner’s accurate defensive gunnery and combat skill played a decisive role in the survival and success of Hogeback’s crews on numerous long-range bombing missions.

Career Highlights

• 513 combat sorties flown, a testament to his endurance and front-line service.

• Flew with Lehrgeschwader 1 (LG 1) during the critical early air campaigns.

• Later transferred to Kampfgeschwader 6 (KG 6), where he achieved his most notable distinction.

• Reached the rank of Leutnant by the end of his career.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, bold signature

Collector’s Note

Günther Glasner belongs to the select group of Luftwaffe Knight’s Cross holders who served as Bordschützen rather than pilots. His career — flying over 500 sorties — underlines the often-overlooked but crucial role of bomber crews in the Luftwaffe’s campaigns. His association with Hermann Hogeback further elevates the historical value of his autograph, making it a significant acquisition for collectors of Luftwaffe memorabilia.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Glasner

Leutnant Günther Glasner (26 August 1917, Drehnow/Brandenburg – 22 June 2012, Berlin/Brandenburg) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe airman who served as a Bordschütze (air gunner) during the Second World War. Over the course of the war, he flew an impressive 513 combat sorties, primarily with Lehrgeschwader 1 and later Kampfgeschwader 6.

Awards and Decorations

• Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe – 5 July 1941, as member of 9./Lehrgeschwader 1

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 13 August 1942, as Feldwebel, Stab III./Lehrgeschwader 1

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 31 December 1943, as Oberfeldwebel and Bordschütze, Stab/Kampfgeschwader 6

Knight’s Cross Citation

Glasner was awarded the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding performance during 410 combat sorties up to late 1943, many of them flown under the command of Hermann Hogeback, himself a Schwerterträger. Glasner’s accurate defensive gunnery and combat skill played a decisive role in the survival and success of Hogeback’s crews on numerous long-range bombing missions.

Career Highlights

• 513 combat sorties flown, a testament to his endurance and front-line service.

• Flew with Lehrgeschwader 1 (LG 1) during the critical early air campaigns.

• Later transferred to Kampfgeschwader 6 (KG 6), where he achieved his most notable distinction.

• Reached the rank of Leutnant by the end of his career.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, bold signature

Collector’s Note

Günther Glasner belongs to the select group of Luftwaffe Knight’s Cross holders who served as Bordschützen rather than pilots. His career — flying over 500 sorties — underlines the often-overlooked but crucial role of bomber crews in the Luftwaffe’s campaigns. His association with Hermann Hogeback further elevates the historical value of his autograph, making it a significant acquisition for collectors of Luftwaffe memorabilia.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walther Gerhold

Schreiber-Obergefreiter Walther Gerhold (8 June 1921 – 2 March 2013) was a Kriegsmarine sailor and recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his daring action as a one-man torpedo operator with the Kleinkampfverbände.

Award and Citation

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 6 July 1944, as Schreiber-Obergefreiter und Einmanntorpedofahrer with Kleinkampf-Flottille 361.

• Citation:

  “The 23-year-old Schreiberobergefreiter Walter Gerhold, from Sauerland, is the first lone fighter from the Kriegsmarine to be awarded the Knight’s Cross for sinking a British cruiser of the Aurora-class under the most difficult conditions. Commanding his human torpedo, Gerhold passed six British destroyers at close range, broke through their security ring, and attacked a cruiser lying behind it with a skillful and calculated approach. The ship sank following a major boiler explosion. For his bravery before the enemy, Gerhold was also promoted to Schreibermaat.”

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Walther Gerhold holds a special place in Kriegsmarine history as the first one-man torpedo operator to be decorated with the Knight’s Cross. His bold solo mission against a heavily defended Royal Navy formation showcases the extreme risks undertaken by the Kleinkampfverbände (small battle units). Autographs from Gerhold are scarce, making this postcard an excellent addition for collectors of Kriegsmarine and naval special forces memorabilia.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Waldemar von Gaza

Major Waldemar von Gaza (6 December 1917 – 13 January 2014) was a highly decorated officer of the 13. Panzer-Division, rising to command-level positions in armored infantry units on the Eastern Front. Over the course of the war, he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with Eichenlaub and Schwertern, placing him among the most distinguished recipients of Germany’s highest battlefield awards.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 18 September 1942, as Oberleutnant und Chef 2./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 666, 13. Panzer-Division

• Eichenlaub (Nr. 158) – 18 January 1943, as Hauptmann und Führer of a Kampfgruppe, 13. Panzer-Division

• Schwerter (Nr. 324) – 3 October 1943, as Major und Führer of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66, 13. Panzer-Division

• Other awards included both classes of the Iron Cross and campaign distinctions

Service Highlights

• Fought throughout the Eastern Front campaigns, earning distinction in combined-arms actions with armored infantry.

• His leadership of Kampfgruppen during some of the most intense battles of 1942–43 earned him rapid recognition.

• By 1943, he had risen to regimental command level, where he was awarded the Swords to the Knight’s Cross for continued outstanding leadership in combat.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcardsize

• Condition: Good, as seen

Collector’s Note

Waldemar von Gaza’s decorations—Ritterkreuz, Eichenlaub, and Schwerter—mark him as one of the relatively few officers to attain this level of distinction. His signature is sought-after by collectors of panzer and Eastern Front memorabilia, with his long postwar life making his autograph available but still scarce in comparison to other triple recipients.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Waldemar von Gaza

Major Waldemar von Gaza (6 December 1917 – 13 January 2014) was a highly decorated officer of the 13. Panzer-Division, rising to command-level positions in armored infantry units on the Eastern Front. Over the course of the war, he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with Eichenlaub and Schwertern, placing him among the most distinguished recipients of Germany’s highest battlefield awards.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 18 September 1942, as Oberleutnant und Chef 2./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 666, 13. Panzer-Division

• Eichenlaub (Nr. 158) – 18 January 1943, as Hauptmann und Führer of a Kampfgruppe, 13. Panzer-Division

• Schwerter (Nr. 324) – 3 October 1943, as Major und Führer of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66, 13. Panzer-Division

• Other awards included both classes of the Iron Cross and campaign distinctions

Service Highlights

• Fought throughout the Eastern Front campaigns, earning distinction in combined-arms actions with armored infantry.

• His leadership of Kampfgruppen during some of the most intense battles of 1942–43 earned him rapid recognition.

• By 1943, he had risen to regimental command level, where he was awarded the Swords to the Knight’s Cross for continued outstanding leadership in combat.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcardsize

• Condition: Good, as seen

Collector’s Note

Waldemar von Gaza’s decorations—Ritterkreuz, Eichenlaub, and Schwerter—mark him as one of the relatively few officers to attain this level of distinction. His signature is sought-after by collectors of panzer and Eastern Front memorabilia, with his long postwar life making his autograph available but still scarce in comparison to other triple recipients.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Waldemar von Gaza

Major Waldemar von Gaza (6 December 1917 – 13 January 2014) was a highly decorated officer of the 13. Panzer-Division, rising to command-level positions in armored infantry units on the Eastern Front. Over the course of the war, he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with Eichenlaub and Schwertern, placing him among the most distinguished recipients of Germany’s highest battlefield awards.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 18 September 1942, as Oberleutnant und Chef 2./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 666, 13. Panzer-Division

• Eichenlaub (Nr. 158) – 18 January 1943, as Hauptmann und Führer of a Kampfgruppe, 13. Panzer-Division

• Schwerter (Nr. 324) – 3 October 1943, as Major und Führer of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66, 13. Panzer-Division

• Other awards included both classes of the Iron Cross and campaign distinctions

Service Highlights

• Fought throughout the Eastern Front campaigns, earning distinction in combined-arms actions with armored infantry.

• His leadership of Kampfgruppen during some of the most intense battles of 1942–43 earned him rapid recognition.

• By 1943, he had risen to regimental command level, where he was awarded the Swords to the Knight’s Cross for continued outstanding leadership in combat.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: A5-size

• Condition: Good, as seen

Collector’s Note

Waldemar von Gaza’s decorations—Ritterkreuz, Eichenlaub, and Schwerter—mark him as one of the relatively few officers to attain this level of distinction. His signature is sought-after by collectors of panzer and Eastern Front memorabilia, with his long postwar life making his autograph available but still scarce in comparison to other triple recipients.