Book "Memories of Dries Coolens" (NEW) + Signed Photo of Dries Coolens
The veteran Andries „Dries“ Coolens gives a unique insight as a former member of the SS-Freiwilligen-Legion “Flandern”, later renamed the 27th SS-Freiwilligen-Grenadier-Division “Langemarck” (Flemish nr. 1).
The book will guide you through the history of Flanders until the end of the war, his war experiences with the Legion Flandern and Langemarck Division and the life course as a prisoner of war. They are memories of a decorated soldier who reports on his personal experiences, his suffering situations and interpersonal experiences. Nothing is covered up, on the contrary, the raw brutality of the war is described.
The book covers 84 pages with hardcover and written in English.
OriginalPostwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Rudolf von Ribbentrop. SS-Hauptsturmführer Rudolf von Ribbentrop (11.05.1921 † 20.05.2019) earned the Ritterkreuz on July 15, 1943 as SS-Obersturmführer und Führer of the 6. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division “LSSAH” and the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on August 25, 1944 with the 3. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 of the 12. SS-Panzer-Division “Hitlerjugend”. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Viezenz. Oberstleutnant Günther Viezenz (01.02.1921 in Göhlenau † 14.01.1999 in Köln) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on July 1, 1944 as Oberleutnant und Chef of the 10. Kompanie/ Grenadier-Regiment 7 of the 252. Infanterie-Division. Small size.
The record-holder of the Tank Destruction Badge was Oberstleutnant Günther Viezenz. He single handedly destroyed 21 enemy tanks with hand held explosives such as a panzerfaust, satchel charge or grenade. He awarded four Tank Destruction Badges in Gold and one in Silver.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Postwar Signature of Ralf Tiemann, Veteran of the 7. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 "Adolf Hitler" of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division "LSSAH". Also author of the "Die Leibstandarte" books.
Original Award document for the Mutterkreuz in Gold (Mother’s Cross in Gold) or in full the Erste Stufe des Ehrenkreuzes der Deutschen Mutter (Third Class of the Cross of Honour of the German Mother). The Mother’s Cross was instituted to award mother’s for their exhibited probity, exemplary motherhood and who raised at least 4 children. The Cross came in 3 grades: Bronze (4 or 5 Children), Silver (6-7) and Gold (8 or more) and was awarded from 1939 until 1945. Document is A4 size, bears the facismile signature of Adolf Hitler and Otto Meissner. Condition as seen.
Original award document of Fallschirm-Oberfeuerwerker Prütz for the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge), who served with the Stabskompanie/ Fallschirmjäger-Regiment zbV. He earned the Erdkampfabeichen on December 1, 1944. Signed by Major Gerhard Schacht who earned the Ritterkreuz for Eben-Emael ! Condition as seen.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo & Card of Willy Jähde. Major Willy Jähde (18.01.1908 in Helmsdorf † 25.04.2002) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on March 21, 1944 as Major und Kommandeur of the schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 502.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Original Erkennungsmarke “1.Stm.Kp.J.E.Btl.205” which stands for 1. Stammkompanie/ Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 205. Steel. Condition as seen.
"Am 1. Oktober 1942 wurde das Bataillon in Frankfurt in ein Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 205 und ein Reserve-Infanterie-Bataillon 205 geteilt. Nach der Teilung unterstand das Ersatz-Bataillon der Division 409. Das Reserve-Bataillon unterstand nach der Aufstellung der 159. Reserve-Division und wurde nach Frankreich verlegt. Die beiden Bataillone wurden am 7. November 1942 zum Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 205 bzw. Reserve-Grenadier-Bataillon 205 umbenannt. Im Dezember 1943 befand sich das Ersatz-Bataillon in Butzbach und das Reserve-Bataillon in St. Etienne. Nach Kämpfen bei Belfort, wurde das Reserve-Bataillon im Oktober 1944 zum I. Bataillon vom Grenadier-Regiment 1210 der 159. Infanterie-Division umbenannt."
Original award document set of Fallschirmjäger (Paratrooper) Doctor Oberarzt Dr. Jentsch. Interesting Westfront 1944-45 set! The Erdkampfabzeichen was most likely awarded for actions during the Battle for the Bulge - Ardennes! He served with the Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 14 & 15 of the 5. Fallschirm-Division.
The set contains:
Award document for the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge) on January 18, 1945. Beautiful award document variant!
Award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) for completing his jump training on March 11, 1942.
Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for his first wound suffered on February 11, 1945.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Ernst Barkmann. SS-Oberscharführer Ernst Barkmann (25.08.1919 † 27.06.2009) earned the Ritterkreuz on August 27, 1944 as SS-Unterscharführer und Panzerkommandant in the 4. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 of the 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hermann Haderecker. Oberst Hermann Haderecker (27.04.1915 † 05.08.2001) earned the Ritterkreuz on May 4, 1944 as Major und Führer of the Grenadier-Regiment 20 of the 10. Infanterie-Division. Good condition. Postcardsize.
Ritterkreuz: "During the fighting of the Grenadier-Regiment 20 (mot) at the Raut river, north of Kishinev, the Regiment succeeded in retaking a strategically important hill position and restoring the frontline between the 282. Infanterie, 10. Infanterie and 3. Panzer-Divisionen. Major Haderecker was awarded the Knight’s Cross for his purposeful and brave conduct of the attack."
Original Wehrmachtshelferin Dienstausweis (from 1945!) + RAD Pflichtausweis from a young female born in 1926. Dienstausweis instituted for the Militärisches Kasernen Kommando Ffm.-Hausen. Good condition.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Eberhard Heder. SS-Sturmbannführer Eberhard Heder (30.06.1918 † 18.11.2017) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on March 11, 1943 as SS-Obersturmführer with the 3. Kompanie/ SS-Pionier-Bataillon 5 “Wiking” and the Ritterkreuz on November 18, 1944 as SS-Hauptsturmführer und Führer of the SS-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 5 of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking”. Good condition. Measuring: I.D. Photo size.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Harald Nugiseks. Waffen-Oberscharführer Harald Nugiseks (22.10.1921 † 02.01.2014) earned the Ritterkreuz on April 9, 1944 as Waffen-Unterscharführer und Zugführer in the 1. Kompanie/ SS-Freiwilligen-Grenadier-Regiment 46 of the 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1). Good condition. Postcardsize. Comes with an extra signed postcard.
Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Paul Zorner. Major Paul Zorner (31.03.1920 † 27.01.2014) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on March 20, 1944 as Oberleutnant und Staffelkapitän of the 8. Staffel/ Nachtjagdgeschwader 3, the Ritterkreuz on June 9, 1944 as Hauptmann und Staffelkapitän of the 8. Staffel/ Nachtjagdgeschwader 3 and the Eichenlaub on September 17, 1944 as Hauptmann und Kommandeur of the III. Gruppe/ Nachtjagdgeschwader 5. He achieved 59 aerial victories. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize.
Award document of Gefreiter Alfred Ganswindt for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) for completing his jump training on June 30, 1944! Comes with a photograph of him. Document has been folded in the past. Good condition.
Small estate of fallen soldier SS-Rottenführer Peter Veit, who served with the SS-Infanterie-Regiment 7 / SS-Schützen-Bataillon 6 of the 6. SS-Gebirgs-Division "Nord". The set includes:
Award document for the Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Bronze. Signed by (later) SS-Brigadeführer Franz Augsberger (RK, DKIG, EB. He was killed in March 1945!)
Primarily award document for the Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Bronze. Signed by (later) SS-Oberführer Martin Kohlroser (DKIG. He later commanded "Nederland" Division!)
Award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse. Signed by (later) SS-Obergruppenführer Matthias Kleinheisterkamp (RK. Committed suicide in May 1945 during the Halbe Kessel!)
Award document for the Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42. Signed by SS-Sturmbannführer Richard Benner (DKIG)
Large Sport award document. Signed by (later) SS-Sturmbannführer Gottlieb Renz (RK. KIA in January 1945!)
Large colorized portrait (left bottom corner torn)
PC-sized Portrait in Waffen-SS uniform and a few other photographs (him in HJ uniform, his father..?)
2x Award documents of Gefreiter Ernst Trinkl, who served with the 2. Batterie/ Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 190 and was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse for his heroic service on July 9, 1944 while subordinated to the 337. Infanterie-Division. Document was signed by an unknown Oberst. He was also awarded the Allgemeines-Sturmabzeichen on July 31, 1944. Signed by HauptmannWilhelm Kröhne (Ritterkreuz). Documents have been folded in the past and punched.
6x Photographs / Portraits of Uboot "U-180" & Kurt Fella. You can find more on the interesting history of U-180 online as well as Kurt Fella. You can read more of some of the actions of Kurt Fella here: "U-180 und die Geheime Reichssache". Good condition. Different sizes (Postcardsize & 13x18cm).
Interesting wound card for Unteroffizier Walter Schulz of 1. Kompanie/ Infanterie-Regiment 411 of the 122. Infanterie-Division. Card features his name, rank, feldpostnummer, diagnose, which unit he departed from and also signed by a Doctor. Uffz. Schulz was shot by a bullet in his right ankle, as such diagnosed "I.G. Durchschuss, re. U-Schenkel, Schussbruch". Never seen such one before. Also has the word "Heimat" in the middle! Measuring: 11,5x7,4cm.
Original Soldbuch & Wehrpass of SS-Rottenführer Ortwein, who served with the Waffenwerkstattkompanie “LSSAH” and SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 18 of the 18. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division “Horst Wessel”. No awards entered in the Soldbuch. Apparently, he had an accident while serving with the weapon's armory of the LSSAH and was later transfered to the "Horst Wessel" Division, where he was Killed in Action on November 13, 1944. Complete with a stunning picture in the Soldbuch. In total, there's his Soldbuch, Wehrpass & Stammkarte!
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günter Goebel. Oberstleutnant i.G. Günter Goebel (14.11.1917 † 04.09.1993) earned the Ritterkreuz on October 18, 1941 as Oberleutnantund Adjutant of Infanterie-Regiment 208 of the 79. Infanterie-Division and the Eichenlaub on January 18, 1943 as Hauptmannund Führer of a Kampfgruppe with the AOK6. Good condition.
"He is also known for the command of the Kampfgruppe Goebel assault on Stalingrad at the end of November 1942 around Nishij and Tschiskaja with 3,000 servicemen. With the following radio message, they became known to the staff of the 6th Army: "Battle-group Captain Goebel with 3,000 men holds the Don River bridge at (Werchne) Chir(skaya). Keep the head up, as we do". He held, together with his Kampfgruppe, for weeks, an important bridgehead. He later became the 180th recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his bravery."
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Johann Fiedler. SS-Oberscharführer Johann Fiedler (28.04.1922 † 23.09.1999) earned the Ritterkreuz on June 16, 1944 as SS-Unterscharführer und Zugführer in the 5....
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Paul Senghas. SS-Hauptsturmführer Paul Senghas (31.01.1916 † 06.11.1996) earned the Ritterkreuz on December 11, 1944 as SS-Obersturmführer und Führer of the I. Abteilung/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking”. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize. Handwritten on the reverse.
“On the 18.08.1944 the enemy advanced towards the Warsaw-Radzymin-Wyszkow road with massive forces and strong air support. At the time the 5. SS-Panzer-Division ‘Wiking’ was located along the general line Roszcep-Trojany-Debynki. At the time SS-Obersturmführer Senghas stood as the leader of the Stabskompanie along with the supply units of the I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 in Zazdroso (1.5 km east of Niegow).At 11:00 he received a message which reported the Russians as having broken through in battalion strength to a point 1 km east of the railway embankment. A wide gap existed towards the left neighbour, and there was the danger that the Russians would block the main road and thrust into the left flank of the Division. Recognizing this danger, Senghas made the decision to engage the enemy with the handful of men in the supply units at hand (despite their lack of heavy infantry weapons) and bring the Russians to a halt.Going into position at the railway embankment, he let the Russians approach to within very close range and then smashed their attack. Reinforcements could not be brought up, and so Senghas defended with his handful of men for the remainder of that day and also the two following days, fighting off strong enemy attacks with only rifles, sub-machine guns and close combat weapons. During this time 2 Panzer IVs, which had been in the repair shop and were only conditionally operational, were brought into the fight. 2 Sherman tanks and 1 T-34 were destroyed immediately after they appeared. The Russians took heavy losses in men and ceased their attacks.By his own initiative and personal devotion to duty, Senghas thus brought the 3 days of close combat to a conclusion. An enemy breakthrough was prevented and the danger to the left flank of the Division removed. Senghas is one of the oldest Eastern front combat veterans, who has mastered many critical situations through swift decisiveness and bold action while ruthlessly demanding the utmost of himself.”
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Herbert Schulze. SS-Sturmbannführer Herbert Schulze (01.04.1914 † 02.02.1992) earned the Ritterkreuz on December 16, 1943 as as SS-Sturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the II. Bataillon/ SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 4 “Der Führer” of the 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”. He also the Nahkampfspange in Gold on November 9, 1943. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Gerhard Fischer. SS-Unterscharführer Gerhard Fischer (12.11.1922 † 01.01.2013) earned the Ritterkreuz on May 4, 1944 as SS-Unterscharführer und stellvertretender Zugführer in the 3. Kompanie/ SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 5 of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking”. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Paul Egger. SS-Obersturmführer Paul Egger (26.11.1916 † 12.07.2007) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on December 30, 1944 and the Ritterkreuz on April 28, 1945 with 1./ schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 502. In 1941, he joined the Waffen-SS and became a tank commander in SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 “Das Reich” before transferring to the schwere Panzer-Abteilung 102, with which he took part in the Battle of Normandy. After its destruction, the unit was renamed to schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 502 and transferred to the Eastern Front, fighting around Stettin. Paul Egger recorded 113 tank kills. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize. With an extra signed letter.
2x Original Wartime Photographs from (a) soldier(s) of the Waffen-SS. One photograph shows a SS-Sturmmann wearing a "Adolf Hitler" cufftitle and another ID photograph shows a SS-Hauptscharführer wearing a officer's peaked cap, the photo was taken in Beneschau in 1944. Small photographs in overall good condition. One has writing on the reverse.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Heinrich Keese. Major Heinrich Keese (28.04.1918 † 27.05.2006) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on January 3, 1944 with Pionier-Bataillon 20, the Ritterkreuz on October 20, 1944 as Oberleutnant und Chef of the 2. Kompanie/ Pionier-Bataillon 20 and the Eichenlaub on March 28, 1945 as Major und Kommandeur of the Pionier-Bataillon 20 of the 20. Panzer-Grenadier-Division. Good condition. Measuring 8,8×12,8cm. Comes with an extra signed letter(s) and enveloppe.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Heinrich Busse. Major Heinrich Busse (10.04.1909 † 06.11.1998) earned the Ritterkreuz on March 26, 1944 as Major und Kommandeurof the Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 328 of the 328. Infanterie-Division and the Eichenlaub on October 28, 1944 as Oberstleutnant und Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 203 of the 76. Infanterie-Division. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize. Comes with an extra signed letter and enveloppe. Signed on the back.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Gerhard Konopka. Oberleutnant Gerhard Konopka (27.03.1911 † 29.01.1997) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on October 9, 1942 with Stabskompanie/ Infanterie-Regiment 1 "Großdeutschland", the Nahkampfspange in Gold on June 25, 1943 and the Ritterkreuz on August 29, 1943 as Oberleutnant und Führerof Grenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland" of the Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Großdeutschland". Good Condition. Measuring: 8,8x12,5cm. Comes with an extra signed letter and enveloppe.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy (3x) of Helmut Scherrinsky. Helmut Scherrinsky (19.11.1923 † ) served with the 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich" and the 3. SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf". Good condition. 3x different sizes.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Ludwig Mückl. SS-Fahnen-Oberjunker Ludwig Mückl (13.09.1923 † ) servedwith the SS-Nachrichten-Abteilung 8 of the 8. SS-Kavallerie-Division “Florian Geyer”. Good condition. Measuring 8,3x11,7cm. Comes with extra pages covering the unit's history.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Gotthold Kipnik, who served with the SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 2 “Das Reich” of the 2. SS-Panzer-Division. Good condition. Little smaller as Postcardsize. A biography of Kipbik is available named: “Meine Jugendzeit – Panzeraufklärungsabteilung – 2. Panzer-Division“
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Kurt Imhoff. SS-Obersturmführer Kurt Imhoff (21.09.1919 † 23.08.2001) served with the 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen” during the war. Good condition. Postcardsize. Signed on the reverse, comes with an extra unsigned paper photo copy.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Gottfried J. Funk. SS-Rottenführer Gottfried Funk (26.08.1924) served with the Luftnachrichten- & Flak Units, he took part in the Battle of Arnhem in September '44 before being transferred to the 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen”. He wrote two books called: “Gottfried J. Funk: Der Zeitzeuge” (Band 1 & 2). Good condition. Postcardsize. Signed on the reverse.
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Fritz Arndt. Oberfeldwebel Fritz Arndt (01.06.1910 † 12.03.2003) earned the Ritterkreuz on March 31, 1943 as Obergefreiter und MG-Schütze in the Stabskompanie/ Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 32 of the 12. Panzer-Division and the Eichenlaub on December 9, 1944 as Feldwebel und Zugführer in the 1. Kompanie/ Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 32. Good condition. Postcardsize.
Knight's Cross recommendation: "During February 1943 the Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 32 was in position about 50 km northeast of Orel. The Soviets launched a tank-supported attack against this Bataillon in the middle of the month. Obergefreiter Arndt was thus given the task of proceeding to the forward strongpoint “Dora” and delivering orders for its garrison to pull back to the primary defensive strongpoint “Cäsar”. Arndt had barely passed on these orders when the Soviets were upon the defenders. A tank opened up direct fire on Arndt himself, however Arndt managed to keep control over his nerves and allow the tank to come closer before destroying it with a T-mine. Despite the warnings of his comrades, Arndt remained in the strongpoint as the garrisoning Kompanie pulled back. Totally alone, he engaged the attacking Soviets with a captured co-axial machine-gun. A deadly game of cat and mouse followed, however Arndt was repeatedly able to evade the Soviets via an underground pipe system that the attackers were unaware of. Using this system, he was able to repeatedly appear in the Soviet rear and inflict heavy losses. He ultimately managed to return to the primary defensive strongpoint while also taking back 10 prisoners. Arndt thereby managed to prevent a potentially devastating breakthrough despite being all on his own. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross for his bravery."
Oakleaves: "On the 30.11.1944 Feldwebel Arndt succeeded in preventing a major Soviet breakthrough north of Autz (Lithuania). During the course of their attack the Soviets succeeded in taking the German main battle line and thrusting far beyond it. In response, Arndt rallied about 20 men and ordered them to mount up on 2 SPWs. With these he drove past the enemy tanks and their mounted infantry up to the old frontline. Upon arrival he and his men dismounted, captured the MG positions and then rolled up the trenches to either side. Arndt immobilized a T-34 tank with a T-mine. The crew bailed out and was taken prisoner. After this Arndt and two of his comrades clambered into the tank and turned its gun upon the attacking Soviet forces, destroying multiple Soviet tanks. This compelled the bulk of the attacking Soviet forces to retreat, although a few scattered squads became encircled behind the German lines and surrendered. Arndt would later receive the Oakleaves for eliminating this Soviet penetration and thereby preventing a possible Soviet breakthrough."
Postwar Signature of Heinz Jürgens. Hauptsturmführer Heinz Jürgens earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (German Cross in Gold) and Ritterkreuz (Knight's Cross) with SS-Polizei-Panzeraufklärungs-Abteilung 4 of the 4. SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division. Signed on front and back.
During World War II the Polizei Division was formed for active service, Heinz Jürgens served in the Battle of France where he was wounded at Les Islettes and awarded the Wound Badge, the Iron Cross 2nd class and was promoted to Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant) and Oberleutnant of Schutzpolizei.
In 1941 Jürgens participated in Operation Barbarossa the invasion of the Soviet Union. The 4th SS Polizei Division was attached to Army Group North which advanced through the Baltic States towards Leningrad. In January 1942, Jürgens was awarded the Iron cross 1st class and in November 1942, promoted to Hauptsturmführer (Captain) and Hauptmann of Schutzpolizei. After carrying out anti-partisan duties in the Soviet Union the Division was sent to Greece and reformed as a Panzer Grenadier Division, Heinz Jürgens was given command of the 4th SS Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion. From September 1944 to January 1945 they were forced to withdraw into Hungary and Slovakia.
In February 1945 the Division was moved north to Pomerania where Jürgens Battalion acted as a Fire Brigade being sent where they were needed most at short notice. They defended a bridge across the Oder river until the German forces were evacuated across the river in March 1945, for which Jürgens was commended by the commanding General Friedrich August Schack and was promoted to Major of Schutzpolizei in April 1945. Jürgens was awarded the Knight's Cross in May 1945 for his previous actions, but due to the situation in Germany at the time the order was not signed. (Source: Wikipedia)
Postwar Signature of Rolf Thomsen, a U-boat commander in the Kriegsmarine during World War II and later served with the Bundesmarine. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his command of the German submarine U-1202.
Thomsen served as a naval aviator from 1939 until early 1943. He transferred to the U-boat service on 1 January 1944 and on 27 January 1944 commissioned U-1202. During two patrols, Thomsen reported his ship’s attacks on a destroyer, two corvettes, six freighters and an escort carrier, for which he received the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. The loss of one of these ships, Dan Beard, was confirmed by the Allies. Thomsen served in the Bundesmarine of West Germany since 1955, achieving the rank of Flotilla Admiral in 1966. (Source: Wikipedia)
Postwar Signature of Rudolf von Ribbentrop, Knight’s Cross Holder of the SS-Panzer-Regiment 1" LSSAH" and later served with the SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 of the 12. SS-Panzer-Division “Hitlerjugend”. Rudolf was the son of Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop. Scarce motive.
Postwar Signature of Soren Kam. Søren Kam (2 November 1921 – 23 March 2015) was a Danish junior officer in the Waffen-SS of Germany during World War II. He was wanted for murder in Denmark and listed by the Simon Wiesenthal Center as one of the most wanted Nazi war criminals. He was a Knight's Cross Holder of SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania" of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking".
Postwar Signature of Lothar hofer, who earned the Knight's Cross as Kommandeur III./ SS-Artillerie-Regiment 54 of the 23. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Nederland".
Postwar Signature of Rudolf Grabher-Meyer, Veteran of the "LSSAH" and later with SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 25 "Hitlerjugend" of the 12. SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend"
