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Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günter Halm. Leutnant Günter Halm (27 August 1922 – 26 September 2017) was one of the youngest Knight’s Cross recipients of the Second World War. Serving in North Africa with the 15. Panzer-Division, he earned lasting fame during the First Battle of El Alamein for his exceptional bravery as an anti-tank gunner.

Awards and Decorations

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

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

• Wound Badge in Silver (Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber)

• Panzer Assault Badge (Panzerkampfabzeichen)

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 29 July 1942 as Grenadier und Richtschütze, Pakzug, Regimentsstabskompanie / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 104, 15. Panzer-Division

Knight’s Cross Action

“Awarded for his actions at El Alamein on 21 July 1942. On this day his Pak position came under attack by a large British tank force (likely the 23rd Tank Brigade). A direct hit disabled his gun shield and wounded the loader, while another impact destroyed the sights. Despite this, Halm calmly continued firing at close range, knocking out seven British tanks, including a command tank, with deadly precision. His courage was a key part of the German defensive success, during which a total of 96 Allied tanks were destroyed.”

Career Highlights

• North Africa Veteran: Distinguished himself in Rommel’s Afrika Korps during one of the most critical battles of the desert war.

• Young Ritterkreuzträger: At just 19 years old, became one of the youngest soldiers to receive the Knight’s Cross.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph on paper!

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Good condition, with clear and authentic autograph

Collector’s Note

Halm’s autograph is especially desirable as he was one of the youngest and most famous Knight’s Cross recipients of the Afrika Korps, tied to the legendary battles of El Alamein. His signature offers a direct link to the Panzergrenadiers and anti-tank defenders of Rommel’s desert army.

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.