Josef-Wilhelm Rettemeier – Panzer-Abteilung 5 (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Josef-Wilhelm Rettemeier. Major Josef-Wilhelm Rettemeier (17.09.1914 in Niederdollendorf † 19.12.1997 in Bad Nauheim) earned the Ritterkreuz on December 5, 1943 as Hauptmann und Kommandeur of Panzer-Abteilung 5 and the Eichenlaub on March 13, 1945 as Hauptmann und Kommandeur of Panzer-Abteilung 5.

Eichenlaub awarded for: “Panzer-Abteilung 5 was placed in support of the 267. Infanterie-Division during its defensive battle near Stary Bychoff (north of Rogatschew) on the 02.03.1944. 8 Soviet divisions were employed against this 1 German division. However the defenders prevented a breakthrough while smashing every attack by the Soviets. 20 Soviet tanks were destroyed in this battle. Rettemeier and his Panzer-Abteilung were crucial for the German victory here, and in recognition of this fact the 267. Infanterie-Division recommended him for the Oakleaves to his Knight’s Cross.”

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.