Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz (also known as Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Groß-Zauche und Camminetz). Generalleutnant der Reserve Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz (30.07.1893 † 25.04.1968) earned the Ritterkreuz on August 25, 1941 as Major der Reserve und Kommandeur of the I. Abteilung/ Panzer-Regiment 2 of the 16. Panzer-Division, the Eichenlaub on November 13, 1942 as Oberstleutnant und Kommandeur of the I. Abteilung/ Panzer-Regiment 2 of the 16. Panzer-Division, the Schwertern on March 28, 1943 as Oberst der Reserve und Kommandeur of the Panzer-Regiment “Großdeutschland” of the Infanterie-Division “Großdeutschland” and the Brillanten on April 15, 1944 as Oberst der Reserve und Kommandeur of the Panzer-Kampfgruppe of the Heeresgruppe Nord. Good condition. Measuring: Postcardsize.
Knight’s Cross: While serving as part of the Kampfgruppe of Oberst Wagner, Strachwitz played a decisive role in its success on the 02./03.08.1941. He was able to determine that the easiest way to seize the city of Pervomaisk (a critical road junction for the Soviets) was to strike from the north. The attack was a success and Strachwitz received the Knight’s Cross for his major contribution towards the victorious outcome of this battle. (via Traces of War)
Oakleaves: Awarded for the role his Abteilung played in the Division’s battles near Stalingrad in August of 1942, with following actions in particular being worthy of note…
1) The armoured battles on the 07./08.08.1942, where the Division destroyed 275 Soviet tanks.
2) Reaching the Don river in two places on the 15./17.08.1942.
3) The thrust towards the Volga river north of Stalingrad, beginning on the 23.08.1942. In this advance the Abteilung overran 37 Soviet firing positions.
4) The defensive battle in the same area (especially around Hill 126). In a four day battle the 31 Panzers of the Abteilung destroyed 105 hostile tanks without loss.
Swords: Awarded for the successes of his regiment during the Third Battle of Kharkov, specifically the fighting to recapture Belgorod in the north. In addition to driving the Soviets back, the Regiment also managed to capture or destroy 150 Soviet tanks in a five-day struggle (90+ of which were in the time period 13-15.03.1943).
Diamonds: Awarded for his actions on the Narva front as an ad-hoc Kampfgruppe commander. On the 22.02.1944 he led a mixed Panzer/Sturmgeschütz formation through an unfavourable patch of forested terrain without regard for the adjacent hostile formations. By doing so he was able to succeed in breaking through the Soviet positions located behind the woods and thus contribute significantly to the integrity of the defense on the Narva front. For this action he was awarded the Diamonds to his Knight’s Cross. (via Traces of War)
