Reinhard Hardegen – Kommandant of “U-123” (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Reinhard Hardegen

Korvettenkapitän Reinhard Hardegen (18 March 1913 – 9 June 2018) was one of the most well-known U-boat commanders of the Second World War. As commander of U-123, he led highly successful patrols during Operation Drumbeat (Paukenschlag) off the American East Coast, becoming a prominent figure in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Awards and Decorations

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

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

• U-boat War Badge (U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen)

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 January 1942 as Kapitänleutnant und Kommandant of U-123

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub) – 23 April 1942 as Kapitänleutnant und Kommandant of U-123

Career Highlights

• U-boat Commander: Commanded U-123 during the early successes of the Atlantic campaign.

• Operation Drumbeat: Led patrols along the American coast in 1942, sinking numerous merchant vessels and bringing the war directly to US waters.

• Confirmed Successes: Credited with sinking 25 ships, a total tonnage exceeding 136,000 GRT.

• Postwar Life: Survived captivity, later becoming a businessman and politician in Bremen. He lived to the remarkable age of 105, making him one of the last surviving U-boat aces.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: As seen – clear, bold signature

Collector’s Note

Reinhard Hardegen is one of the best-documented and longest-living Ritterkreuzträger of the U-Bootwaffe. His postwar reflections on the morality and tragedy of the U-boat war, combined with his unique longevity, make his autograph especially desirable. This piece offers both a tangible connection to the Atlantic U-boat campaign and to one of its most famous commanders.