Siegfried Freyer – Panzer-Regiment 24 (24. Panzer-Division)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Siegfried Freyer

Wachtmeister Siegfried Freyer (11 February 1917 – 10 May 2014) was a German panzer officer in the 24. Panzer-Division and a recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. He earned his Knight’s Cross on 23 July 1942 as Wachtmeister und Zugführer of 4. Kompanie/ Panzer-Regiment 24 for his extraordinary bravery during the heavy urban fighting at Voronezh.

Knight’s Cross Action

On 7 July 1942, during close-quarter fighting in the streets of Voronezh, Soviet armored units attempted to break through the encirclement ring of Freyer’s Kampfgruppe. Acting on his own initiative, Freyer led his platoon in a counterattack and personally destroyed 10 Soviet T-34 tanks in the span of just half an hour. His decisive intervention prevented a breakthrough, stabilized the frontline, and directly enabled the occupation of the city. For this exceptional act of bravery and leadership, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 23 July 1942 as Wachtmeister und Zugführer, 4./Panzer-Regiment 24, 24. Panzer-Division

• Iron Cross 2nd Class & 1st Class

• Other campaign awards

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcardsize

• Condition: Good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Siegfried Freyer’s Knight’s Cross recommendation is one of the most dramatic tank combat citations of the Eastern Front, highlighting his destruction of 10 T-34s in just 30 minutes. His signature is a scarce and desirable addition for collectors of panzer division memorabilia, particularly those focused on the pivotal 1942 campaigns and the battle for Voronezh.