Hermann Eckardt – Panzer-Abteilung 8

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hermann Eckardt. Feldwebel Hermann Eckardt (04 October 1920 – 16 September 2010) was a highly decorated German Army NCO who distinguished himself as a front-line panzer and anti-tank commander during the final years of the Second World War.

• Deutsches Kreuz in Gold – 12 September 1944, as member of 1./Panzer-Abteilung 8.

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 28 March 1945, as Feldwebel und Zugführer of 1./Panzerjäger-Abteilung 8, 20. Panzergrenadier-Division.

Background:
Eckardt fought throughout the later campaigns on the Eastern Front. His award of the Knight’s Cross came in recognition of his outstanding leadership and personal bravery as Zugführer, where he directed numerous successful anti-tank actions against overwhelming Soviet forces during the desperate defensive battles of early 1945.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph, postcard size.

• Signature: Clear original postwar autograph of Feldwebel Hermann Eckardt.

• Condition: Very good, well-preserved.

Collector’s Note:
Eckardt belongs to the relatively small group of late-war NCO Knight’s Cross holders from Panzerjäger units, making his signature particularly scarce and desirable for collectors of Panzer and Eastern Front memorabilia.