Othmar Hermes – Grenadier-Regiment 464 (253. Infanterie-Division)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Othmar Hermes

Leutnant Othmar Hermes (25 November 1925 – 12 January 2014) was a decorated front-line soldier of the Wehrmacht who distinguished himself during the heavy fighting on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations

• Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse)

• Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse)

• Infantry Assault Badge (Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen)

• Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen)

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 11 June 1944 as Gefreiter und Kompaniemelder, 6. Kompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 464, 253. Infanterie-Division

Career Highlights

• Eastern Front Service: Fought with Grenadier-Regiment 464 during the bitter defensive battles against the advancing Red Army.

• Knight’s Cross Action: Recognized for his extraordinary bravery as a company runner (Kompaniemelder). Despite being only a Gefreiter, Hermes showed decisive courage under fire, contributing directly to the survival and fighting capacity of his unit.

• Postwar Career: Rose to the rank of Leutnant der Reserve and lived a long postwar life, passing away in 2014.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: As seen – good condition, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Hermes stands out as one of the youngest Knight’s Cross recipients of the Wehrmacht, having earned the high award as just a Gefreiter at age 18. His autograph is sought after for its rarity and for the remarkable circumstances of his Ritterkreuz award.