Ernst Barkmann – SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 “Das Reich” (Normandy)

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.