Hermann Balck – 11. Panzer-Division & 4. Panzer-Armee (Brillanten)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hermann Balck. General der Panzertruppen Hermann Balck (17 December 1893, Danzig-Langfuhr † 29 November 1982, Eberbach) was one of Germany’s most outstanding Panzer commanders of the Second World War. Renowned for his tactical brilliance, he rose to the rank of General der Panzertruppen and became one of only 27 recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 3 June 1940, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Schützen-Regiment 1, 1. Panzer-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 20 December 1942, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 11. Panzer-Division.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves (Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub) – 4 March 1943, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 11. Panzer-Division.

• Diamonds to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Brillanten zum Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) – 31 August 1944, as General der Panzertruppen and Deputy Commander of 4. Panzer-Armee.

Career Highlights:

• Distinguished himself in the 1940 French campaign, where his Schützen-Regiment spearheaded Panzer thrusts, earning him the Knight’s Cross.

• Commanded the 11. Panzer-Division on the Eastern Front, where his bold maneuvers and rapid counterattacks earned him the Oak Leaves and Swords.

• Promoted to General der Panzertruppen, he was entrusted with higher-level commands, including corps and army responsibilities.

• Awarded the Diamonds in 1944, recognizing his leadership as one of the Wehrmacht’s most skilled operational commanders.

• After the war, Balck was tried by Allied authorities and later lived quietly in West Germany until his death in 1982.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Panzertruppen Hermann Balck.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Postcardsize.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.