Wehrmacht

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Dieter Damerius. Leutnant Dieter Damerius (17.04.1921 † 28.12.2018) earned the Ritterkreuz on February 24, 1945 as Leutnant und Führer of the 5. Kompanie/ Grenadier-Regiment 273 of the 93. Infanterie-Division. Good condition. Postcardsize.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Othmar Hermes

Leutnant Othmar Hermes (25 November 1925 – 12 January 2014) was a decorated front-line soldier of the Wehrmacht who distinguished himself during the heavy fighting on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations

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

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

• Infantry Assault Badge (Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen)

• Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen)

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 11 June 1944 as Gefreiter und Kompaniemelder, 6. Kompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 464, 253. Infanterie-Division

Career Highlights

• Eastern Front Service: Fought with Grenadier-Regiment 464 during the bitter defensive battles against the advancing Red Army.

• Knight’s Cross Action: Recognized for his extraordinary bravery as a company runner (Kompaniemelder). Despite being only a Gefreiter, Hermes showed decisive courage under fire, contributing directly to the survival and fighting capacity of his unit.

• Postwar Career: Rose to the rank of Leutnant der Reserve and lived a long postwar life, passing away in 2014.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: As seen – good condition, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Hermes stands out as one of the youngest Knight’s Cross recipients of the Wehrmacht, having earned the high award as just a Gefreiter at age 18. His autograph is sought after for its rarity and for the remarkable circumstances of his Ritterkreuz award.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Willi Hammerich

Oberleutnant Willi Hammerich (17 December 1921, Fleckeby – 21 November 2010, Schulensee) served as an infantry officer on the Western Front and distinguished himself in late 1944 during the defensive battles in Alsace. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership and bravery as a company commander.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 December 1944 as Oberleutnant und Chef 4./ Grenadier-Regiment 956, 362. Infanterie-Division

Career Highlights

• Company Commander on the Western Front: Led 4./Grenadier-Regiment 956 in bitter defensive fighting in Alsace in late 1944.

• Knight’s Cross Award: Recognized for exceptional leadership and courage under fire, contributing significantly to halting enemy attacks during this critical phase of the war.

• Postwar Life: Survived the war and lived a long life in northern Germany, passing away in 2010 at the age of 88.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: As seen – well preserved with clear signature

Collector’s Note

Willi Hammerich’s signature is sought after as he was a late-war Ritterkreuzträger whose award reflects the desperate fighting on the Western Front in the winter of 1944. A fine addition for collectors focused on company-level commanders and Knight’s Cross recipients of the infantry divisions deployed in Alsace.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Willi Hammerich

Oberleutnant Willi Hammerich (17 December 1921, Fleckeby – 21 November 2010, Schulensee) served as an infantry officer on the Western Front and distinguished himself in late 1944 during the defensive battles in Alsace. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership and bravery as a company commander.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 December 1944 as Oberleutnant und Chef 4./ Grenadier-Regiment 956, 362. Infanterie-Division

Career Highlights

• Company Commander on the Western Front: Led 4./Grenadier-Regiment 956 in bitter defensive fighting in Alsace in late 1944.

• Knight’s Cross Award: Recognized for exceptional leadership and courage under fire, contributing significantly to halting enemy attacks during this critical phase of the war.

• Postwar Life: Survived the war and lived a long life in northern Germany, passing away in 2010 at the age of 88.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: As seen – well preserved with clear signature

Collector’s Note

Willi Hammerich’s signature is sought after as he was a late-war Ritterkreuzträger whose award reflects the desperate fighting on the Western Front in the winter of 1944. A fine addition for collectors focused on company-level commanders and Knight’s Cross recipients of the infantry divisions deployed in Alsace.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Fasel. Feldwebel Walter Fasel (7 June 1919 – 13 August 2013) was a decorated non-commissioned officer of the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 31 August 1943 as Feldwebel und Zugführer of the 14. Kompanie / Füsilier-Regiment 26, part of the 30. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served on the Eastern Front with the 30. Infanterie-Division, which fought in some of the toughest defensive battles of the war.

• As a platoon leader, Fasel distinguished himself during the fighting in 1943, showing exceptional leadership and bravery under extreme conditions.

• His award of the Knight’s Cross recognized his decisive role in holding critical positions against Soviet attacks.

• Survived the war and lived to the age of 94, passing away in 2013.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph with original signature.

• Size: Postcard size.

• Signature: Clear postwar autograph of Ritterkreuzträger Walter Fasel.

• Condition: Good; well-preserved signature and image.

Collector’s Note:

Walter Fasel represents the decorated frontline NCOs whose leadership often proved decisive in small-unit combat on the Eastern Front. His Knight’s Cross award as a platoon leader reflects both the ferocity of the fighting in 1943 and the importance of junior leaders in the Wehrmacht’s defensive operations. Autographs of such decorated Feldwebel-rank soldiers remain particularly attractive to collectors.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Fasel. Feldwebel Walter Fasel (7 June 1919 – 13 August 2013) was a decorated non-commissioned officer of the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 31 August 1943 as Feldwebel und Zugführer of the 14. Kompanie / Füsilier-Regiment 26, part of the 30. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served on the Eastern Front with the 30. Infanterie-Division, which fought in some of the toughest defensive battles of the war.

• As a platoon leader, Fasel distinguished himself during the fighting in 1943, showing exceptional leadership and bravery under extreme conditions.

• His award of the Knight’s Cross recognized his decisive role in holding critical positions against Soviet attacks.

• Survived the war and lived to the age of 94, passing away in 2013.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph with original signature.

• Size: Postcard size.

• Signature: Clear postwar autograph of Ritterkreuzträger Walter Fasel.

• Condition: Good; well-preserved signature and image.

Collector’s Note:

Walter Fasel represents the decorated frontline NCOs whose leadership often proved decisive in small-unit combat on the Eastern Front. His Knight’s Cross award as a platoon leader reflects both the ferocity of the fighting in 1943 and the importance of junior leaders in the Wehrmacht’s defensive operations. Autographs of such decorated Feldwebel-rank soldiers remain particularly attractive to collectors.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Fasel. Feldwebel Walter Fasel (7 June 1919 – 13 August 2013) was a decorated non-commissioned officer of the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 31 August 1943 as Feldwebel und Zugführer of the 14. Kompanie / Füsilier-Regiment 26, part of the 30. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served on the Eastern Front with the 30. Infanterie-Division, which fought in some of the toughest defensive battles of the war.

• As a platoon leader, Fasel distinguished himself during the fighting in 1943, showing exceptional leadership and bravery under extreme conditions.

• His award of the Knight’s Cross recognized his decisive role in holding critical positions against Soviet attacks.

• Survived the war and lived to the age of 94, passing away in 2013.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph with original signature.

• Size: Postcard size.

• Signature: Clear postwar autograph of Ritterkreuzträger Walter Fasel.

• Condition: Good; well-preserved signature and image.

Collector’s Note:

Walter Fasel represents the decorated frontline NCOs whose leadership often proved decisive in small-unit combat on the Eastern Front. His Knight’s Cross award as a platoon leader reflects both the ferocity of the fighting in 1943 and the importance of junior leaders in the Wehrmacht’s defensive operations. Autographs of such decorated Feldwebel-rank soldiers remain particularly attractive to collectors.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Fasel. Feldwebel Walter Fasel (7 June 1919 – 13 August 2013) was a decorated non-commissioned officer of the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 31 August 1943 as Feldwebel und Zugführer of the 14. Kompanie / Füsilier-Regiment 26, part of the 30. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served on the Eastern Front with the 30. Infanterie-Division, which fought in some of the toughest defensive battles of the war.

• As a platoon leader, Fasel distinguished himself during the fighting in 1943, showing exceptional leadership and bravery under extreme conditions.

• His award of the Knight’s Cross recognized his decisive role in holding critical positions against Soviet attacks.

• Survived the war and lived to the age of 94, passing away in 2013.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph with original signature.

• Size: Postcard size.

• Signature: Clear postwar autograph of Ritterkreuzträger Walter Fasel.

• Condition: Good; well-preserved signature and image.

Collector’s Note:

Walter Fasel represents the decorated frontline NCOs whose leadership often proved decisive in small-unit combat on the Eastern Front. His Knight’s Cross award as a platoon leader reflects both the ferocity of the fighting in 1943 and the importance of junior leaders in the Wehrmacht’s defensive operations. Autographs of such decorated Feldwebel-rank soldiers remain particularly attractive to collectors.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Johannes “Hans” Eikmeier. Major Johannes “Hans” Eikmeier (3 December 1918 – 5 September 2012) was a decorated officer of the Wehrmacht during the Second World War who rose to the rank of Major.

• Deutsches Kreuz in Gold – 25 January 1943, as Oberleutnant in Aufklärungs-Abteilung 120.

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 30 September 1944, as Rittmeister und Führer of II./ Reiter-Regiment 32, 3. Kavallerie-Brigade.

Career Highlights:

• Served as a reconnaissance officer and later cavalry commander during the Eastern Front campaigns.

• Distinguished himself in reconnaissance and combat operations with Aufklärungs-Abteilung 120, earning the German Cross in Gold in early 1943.

• Awarded the Knight’s Cross in late 1944 for his leadership and bravery commanding II./ Reiter-Regiment 32 during the heavy fighting on the Eastern Front.

• Survived the war and lived a long postwar life, passing away in 2012 at the age of 93.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photocopy with original signature.

• Size: Postcard size.

• Signature: Authentic postwar autograph of Johannes “Hans” Eikmeier.

• Condition: Good; clear and well-preserved signature on photocopy photo.

Collector’s Note:
Although signed on a photocopy rather than an original wartime photograph, this piece remains a desirable signature of a Ritterkreuzträger who served in both reconnaissance and cavalry formations. Eikmeier’s long life makes his autograph obtainable, yet his dual awards — Deutsches Kreuz in Gold and Ritterkreuz — ensure continued collector interest.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Dr. Heinz Lotze. Hauptmann d.R. Heinz Lotze (25.11.1912 † 02.10.1989) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on May 9, 1945 as Führer of the I. Bataillon/ Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment “Kahle” of the Kampfgruppe “Grosan”. Condition as seen.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Sekund. Wachtmeister Alfred Sekund (10.08.1919 in Schönbruch † 22.04.2013 in Bremen) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on September 10, 1944 as Wachtneister und Vorgeschobener Beobachter of the 6. Batterie/ Artillerie-Regiment 11 of the 11. Infanterie-Division. Condition as seen. Postcardsize.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Sekund. Wachtmeister Alfred Sekund (10.08.1919 in Schönbruch † 22.04.2013 in Bremen) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on September 10, 1944 as Wachtneister und Vorgeschobener Beobachter of the 6. Batterie/ Artillerie-Regiment 11 of the 11. Infanterie-Division. Condition as seen. Postcardsize.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Berlemann. Leutnant Wilhelm Berlemann (28.03.1924 † ) served with the Grenadier-Regiment 578 of the 305. Infanterie-Division. Postcardsize.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Werner Kaiser. Unteroffizier Werner Kaiser (05.07.1920 † ) served with the Infanterie-Regiment 272 of the 93. Infanterie-Division. Postcardsize.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Georg Peschel. Oberfeldwebel Georg Peschel (30.05.1917 in Neu-Schlesing † 12.10.2011 in Diez) earned (no evidence to confirm) the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on May 11, 1945 as Oberfeldwebel und Zugführer of the 10. Kompanie/ Jäger-Regiment 49 of the 28. Jäger-Division. Postcardsize.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walther Neuer. Major Walther Neuer (09.02.1910 in Berlin † 21.12.1999 in Burgwedel) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on April 29, 1945 as Oberstleutnant und Kommandeur of the Panzer-Abteilung 118 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on November 5, 1944 as Major und Führer of a Kampfgruppe in Ploesti.

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.