Willi Hammerich – Grenadier-Regiment 956

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Willi Hammerich

Oberleutnant Willi Hammerich (17 December 1921, Fleckeby – 21 November 2010, Schulensee) served as an infantry officer on the Western Front and distinguished himself in late 1944 during the defensive battles in Alsace. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership and bravery as a company commander.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 December 1944 as Oberleutnant und Chef 4./ Grenadier-Regiment 956, 362. Infanterie-Division

Career Highlights

• Company Commander on the Western Front: Led 4./Grenadier-Regiment 956 in bitter defensive fighting in Alsace in late 1944.

• Knight’s Cross Award: Recognized for exceptional leadership and courage under fire, contributing significantly to halting enemy attacks during this critical phase of the war.

• Postwar Life: Survived the war and lived a long life in northern Germany, passing away in 2010 at the age of 88.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: As seen – well preserved with clear signature

Collector’s Note

Willi Hammerich’s signature is sought after as he was a late-war Ritterkreuzträger whose award reflects the desperate fighting on the Western Front in the winter of 1944. A fine addition for collectors focused on company-level commanders and Knight’s Cross recipients of the infantry divisions deployed in Alsace.