Heinrich Püttcher – Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 86 (9.Pz.Div.)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Heinrich Püttcher. Oberleutnant Heinrich Püttcher (01.04.1914 † 03.04.2003) earned the Ritterkreuz on April 14, 1945 as Leutnant und Führer of the 3. Kompanie/ Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 86 of the 9. Panzer-Division. Good Condition.

During the withdrawal of the 9. Panzer-Division across the Rhine in late February 1945, the handful of battle ready elements of the Division were tasked with covering the retreat. One of these, formed on 25.02.1945, was led by Leutnant Püttcher. Despite only having two 8.8 cm Flak guns as heavy weapons, Püttcher and his small Kampfgruppe were able to hold their assigned sector Glesch—Sinsteden against all opposing attacks even though the Allies had broken through on the left and right. Even after they had been surrounded and had no radio contact with the higher commands, Leutnant Püttcher refused to surrender to the Allies. Acting on his own initiative, he broke through the ring of US troops, reached the Rhine river near the town of Leverkusen and was able to cross over to the eastern bank, even taking both Flak guns along with him.

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.