Ritterkreuzträger of the Kriegsmarine Speech to the Hitlerjugend

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. The Kriegsmarine banners and flags entry to the venue.

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. Hitlerjugend leader, Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann, arrives to the venue with the Ritterkreuzträger. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Jacques. The identification as follow :

1. Admiral Walter Warzecha (Chef des Allgemeinen Marinehauptamtes)

2. Kapitän zur See Kurt Thoma (Chef Abteilung K III M im Oberkommando der Marine)

3. Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann

4. ???

5. ???

6. Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen (Kommandant U-123)
7. ???

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. From left to right:

1. ???

2. ???

3. Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen (Kommandant U-123)

4. ???

5. ???

6. ???

7. Kapitän zur See Kurt Thoma (Chef Abteilung K III M im Oberkommando der Marine)

8. Admiral Walter Warzecha (Chef des Allgemeinen Marinehauptamtes)

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. General view of the venue.

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen at the podium. He receives the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 January 1942 and Eichenlaub #89 on 23 April 1942, both as Kommandant of U-123.

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. Young Hitlerjugend listen to the speech of Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen (Kommandant U-123).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46778/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46785/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46787/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46789/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46794/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46798/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/

Color Photo of Ludwig Stautner

Ludwig Stautner (4 May 1895 - 5 January 1983) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 20 June 1940 as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 / 3.Gebirgs-Division / XXI.Armeekorps. Other medals and decorations he receives: 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Silber; Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914/1918; 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Narvikschild; Heeresbergführer; and Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (1942). Stautner participated in the following battles and operations: Invasion of Poland (1939), Norwegian Campaign (1940), Battles of Narvik (1940), Operation Barbarossa (1941), Operation Silberfuchs (1941), Operation Renntier (1941), Operation Platinfuchs (1941), and the Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944). His last rank is Oberst.

Source :
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=6242&searchword=stautner

The Commanders of NJG 1 in the Summer of 1944

The commanders of NJG 1 (Nachtjagdgeschwader 1). From left to right: Hauptmann Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer (Gruppenkommandeur IV.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), Hauptmann Martin Drewes (Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), Major Hans-Joachim Jabs (Geschwaderkommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), Hauptmann Paul Förster (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), and Hauptmann Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin (Gruppenkommandeur II.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1). The picture was taken in the summer of 1944 - between May and June - at Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden (Netherlands).

Source :
http://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Bf-110/NJG1-Schnaufer/pages/Aircrew-Luftwaffe-pilots-Heinz-Wolfgang-Schnaufer-Drewes-Jabs-Forster-von-Bonin-01.html

Helmut Lent, Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer and Hans-Joachim Jabs

Nachtjagd Experten at St. Trond, early spring 1944. From left to right: : Major Helmut Lent (Geschwaderommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 3), bandmaster, Oberleutnant Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer (Gruppenkommandeur IV.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), and Hauptmann Hans-Joachim Jabs (Geschwaderkommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 1). The picture is part of the collection of Martin Drewes, another Nachtjagd experten.

Source :
Book "Nachtjagd: Defenders of the Reich 1940-1943" by Martin W Bowman

Helmut Lent and Raumführer Heinrich Ruppel

From left to right: Major Helmut Lent (Geschwaderkommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 3) with Hauptmann Heinrich Ruppel (Nachtjagd Raumführer Leeuwarden / Area Controller of Leeuwarden) in 1943. Raumführer Ruppel had been a pilot on the Western Front in World War I and he was acknowledged to be one of the most skilful fighter controllers in Nachtjagd.

Source :
Book "Nachtjagd: Defenders of the Reich 1940-1943" by Martin W Bowman

Portrait Photo of Heinrich Boigk

Heinrich Boigk (30 October 1912 - 28 March 2003) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 March 1943 as Oberjäger der Reserve and Gruppenführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 49 / 28.Jäger-Division / XXVI.Armeekorps / 18.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord. He also received the Eichenlaub #370 for his Ritterkreuz on 18 January 1944 as Feldwebel der Reserve and Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 49 / 28.Jäger-Division / XXXVIII.Armeekorps / 18.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord. His last rank was Leutnant der Reserve.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35781/fa1335aa4db6816042ff741122491141/
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=542&searchword=boigk
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/JagerReg/JReg49.htm

Paul Gildner and Wilhelm Beier

November 1941: Two Luftwaffe Senior Sergeants whom also a Ritterkreuzträger (recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and night aces. From left to right: Oberfeldwebel Paul Gildner (Flugzeugführer in 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1. Ritterkreuz on 9 July 1941 after 11 victories. Total score: 48 victories, with 44 at night) and Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm Beier (Flugzeugführer in 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 2. Ritterkreuz on 10 October 1941 after 14 victories. Total score: 38 victories, with all of them at night). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Doelfs. BTW, Gildner achieved one of the first recorded night victories of the war after he shot down a British Hampden bomber with his Messerschmitt Bf 110 on the night of 2/3 September 1940, his first night victory.

Source :
http://www.aircrewremembered.com/KrackerDatabase/?q=beier%2C+wilhelm
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35780/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=18402
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/gildner-paul/

Rolf Carls Congratulates Siegfried Strelow

November 1942: Generaladmiral Rolf Carls (left, Oberbefehlshaber Marinegruppenkommando Nord) congratulates Kapitänleutnant Siegfried Strelow (right) for his award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, which he received on 27 October 1942 as Kommandant of U-435. Visible second from left is Eichenlaubträger (recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub), Kapitänleutnant Herbert Emil Schultze (Kommandant 3. U-Bootsflottille).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35672/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Günter Kuhnke Welcomes Helmut Witte

13 July 1942: Kapitänleutnant Günter Kuhnke (left, Kommandant U-125) welcomes fellow U-boat commander, Kapitänleutnant Helmut Witte (Kommandant U-159), who just returning to the base of 10th U-boat Flottilla (10. Unterseebootsflottille) at Lorient, France, after sank 12 steamers in American waters. For that amazing feat - and additional victims from the next patrol - Witte received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 22 October 1942, while Kuhnke himself had received the same medal previously: on 19 September 1940 as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-28.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/2742/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://uboat.net/men/kuhnke.htm

Portrait Photo of Wolfhart Wicke

Hauptmann Wolfhart Wicke (25 September 1919 - 13 August 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 8 February 1943 as Oberleutnant der Reserve and Chef 5.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 144 / 3.Gebirgs-Division / Heeresgruppe Don. From Seelower Tageblatt, 13. February 1943 edition: "Oberleutnant Wolfhart Wicke, am 25.9.1919 als Sohn des Studienrats Arnold W. in Oberursel geboren, stieß bei den Kämpfen im Dongebiet Ende Dezember nach Abwehr eines feindlichen Angriffs an der Spitze eines Stoßtropps rasch entschlossen dem weichenden Gegner nach und vernichtete dabei ein bolschewistisches Bataillon" (Oberleutnant Wolfhart Wicke, born on 25.9.1919 as the son of the Councilor Arnold Wicke in Oberursel, quickly engaged his opponent in the fighting in the Don region at the end of December, after defending a hostile attack at the head of a battalion, thereby destroying a Bolshevik battalion). Other medals and decorations he receives: Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz; and Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber.

Source :
http://wehrmacht-awards.com/FORUMS/showthread.php?t=931571

Manfred Meurer in the Hoffmann Postcard Series

Hauptmann Manfred Meurer (8 September 1919 - 22 January 1944) in the Hoffmann Postcard Ritterkreuzträger Series R 165. Bauer received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 16 April 1943 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1), and Eichenlaub #264 for his Ritterkreuz on 2 August 1943 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1). His last rank is Hauptmann.

Source :
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=4152&searchword=meurer
http://pantorijn.blogspot.co.id/2015/03/hoffmann-postcards-knight-cross-holders.html

Friedrich Bauer in the Hoffmann Postcard Series

Hauptmann Friedrich Bauer (23 September 1913 - 10 September 1943) in the Hoffmann Postcard Ritterkreuzträger Series R 248. Bauer received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes posthumously in 13 September 1943 as Hauptmann and Führer I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 33 "Prinz Eugen" / 9.Panzer-Division. He was also posthumously promoted to Major.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.co.id/2015/01/seri-postkarten-kartu-pos-heinrich.html
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=215&searchword=bauer,%20friedrich

Arnold Huebner and Erich Heintze

From left to right: Gefreiter Arnold Huebner and Unteroffizier Erich Heintze posed in the city streets, April 1942. They were just received the coveted Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses) a month before, in 7 March 1942. Heintze as a  Geschützführer, while Huebner as a  Richtkanonier. Both from 3.Batterie / I.Abteilung / Flak-Regiment 33 (motorisiert). The picture was taken by Bildberichter Eisenhardt.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/3991/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Max Wünsche at Berghof Obersalzberg

Smiling SS-Sturmbannführer Max Wünsche (Kommandeur I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler") photographed at Berghof, in the Obersalzberg of the Bavarian Alps, Germany, in the spring of 1943. In June that year, Wünsche was transferred to the newly formed 12. SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend", where he became the leader of SS-Panzer Regiment 12.

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/165561553047/ss-sturmbannf%C3%BChrer-max-w%C3%BCnsche-of-the

Rudolf Schmidt Playing Piano

Generaloberst Rudolf Schmidt (Oberbefehlshaber 2. Panzerarmee) playing piano at his farewell party in Orjol, Russia, 4 March 1943. In 11 April 1943 he would be replaced by General der Infanterie Erich-Heinrich Clößner, having openly criticized the general conduct of war. He was transferred to the Führerreserve and was to be responsible for the Reichskriegsgericht (Reich War Tribunal). His brother had been arrested for treason, and the discrediting letters from the Generaloberst was found with him. However, Schmidt was not condemned by the Reichskriegsgericht. Generalstabsrichter Karl Sack recommended the admission to a psychiatric institution. He later attempted to be brought back into active service by Himmler's recommendation, but Hitler rejected this request in September 1944. In 1947 he was arrested in the Soviet occupation zone. He was then brought to Russia as an alleged prisoner of war. There he was condemned to death, but later pardoned. It was not until the winter of 1955/56 that he returned to his homeland... as one of the last prisoners.

Source :
Militärgeschichte magazine, Heft 1/2017
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/S/SchmidtR-R.htm

Portrait Photo of Friedrich Müller-Rochholz

Friedrich Müller-Rochholz (16 February 1914 - 5 May 2002) received Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 8 May 1945 (the day German surrendered!) as Hauptmann and Kommandeur Panzer-Sturmpionier-Bataillon "Brandenburg". His last rank was Hauptmann.

Source :
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=4372&searchword=Rochholz

Portrait Photo of Rudolf "Panzer" Schmidt"

This picture was taken on 17 March 1942 by Kriegsberichter Moosdorf, and showing Rudolf Schmidt (Oberbefehlshaber 2. Panzerarmee) not long after promoted from General der Panzertruppe to Generaloberst, 1 Januari 1942.

Source :
Militärgeschichte magazine, Heft 1/2017
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-2005-1017-520,_Rudolf_Schmidt.jpg
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/schmidt-rudolf-panzer-schmidt/

Rudolf Schmidt, Friedrich Kirchner and Walther Wenck in 1940

General der Panzertruppe Rudolf Schmidt (left, Kommandierender General XXXIX. Armeekorps [motorisiert]) with his subordinates in France, 17 June 1940. Sitting at right is Generalleutnant Friedrich Kirchner (Kommandeur 1. Panzer-Division), while behind him with hands on the table is Major Walther Wenck (Ia Erster Generalstabsoffizier 1. Panzer-Division). They were part of Gruppe Guderian under General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian.

Source :
Militärgeschichte magazine, Heft 1/2017

Rudolf Schmidt at His Desk

Generaloberst Rudolf Schmidt (Oberbefehlshaber 2. Panzerarmee) at his desk in Orjol, Russia, 1942. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 3 June 1940 as Generalleutnant and Kommandierender General XXXIX. Panzerkorps, and Eichenlaub #19 for his Ritterkreuz on 10 July 1941 as General der Panzertruppe and Kommandierender General XXXIX. Armeekorps (motorisiert).

Source :
Militärgeschichte magazine, Heft 1/2017

Corneliu Teodorini, Karl Allmendinger and Erwin Jaenecke at Kerch Peninsula

German and Romanian Generals after leaving the command post of the 17. Armee in Stanowska, Kerch Peninsula/Crimea (Soviet Union), January 1944. From left to right: unidentified, General de divizie Corneliu Teodorini (Commander of Romanian 6th Cavalry Division / V. Armeekorps / 17.Armee), General der Infanterie Karl Allmendinger (Kommandierender General V.Armeekorps / 17.Armee), and Generaloberst Erwin Jaenecke (Oberbefehlshaber 17. Armee). The last three person were Ritterkreuzträger (holder of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Schelm. 

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/2503/e7305cd75fe112fb782023d7f414563a/
http://www.ww2incolor.com/rating/3?g2_itemId=647800

Ritterkreuzträger Romanian General Corneliu Teodorini

Romanian general Corneliu Teodorini in the trenches, January 1944. He receives the following German decorations: Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (November 1941) und I.Klasse (11 February 1943); Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 August 1943 as Colonel and commander of the Romanian 6th Cavalry Division; Eichenlaub on 8 December 1943 as Captain General (General de brigadă) and commander of the Romanian 6th Cavalry Division. His name also mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (8 December 1943). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Schulze.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/54502/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://www.ww2incolor.com/Romanian+Forces/Generalul+de+divizie+Corneliu+Teodorini_+__n+tran__ee.html

Maximilian Fretter-Pico in the Hoffmann Postcard Series

General der Artillerie Maximilian Fretter-Pico (6 February 1992 - 4 April 1984) in the Hoffmann Postcard Ritterkreuzträger Series R 298. Fretter-Pico received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in 26 December 1941 as a Generalmajor and Kommandeur 97. Infanterie-Division, and Eichenlaub #368 for his Ritterkreuz in 16 January 1944 as a General der Artillerie and  Kommandierender General XXX.Armeekorps.

Source :
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=1555&searchword=fretter
http://pantorijn.blogspot.co.id/2015/03/hoffmann-postcards-knight-cross-holders.html

Adolf Dickfeld with the Boys from Hitlerjugend

1 May 1943: Luftwaffe fighter ace and Ritterkreuzträger Hauptmann Adolf Dickfeld (second from left) tells the boys of Hitlerjugend about his experience as a combat pilot. Second from right is the leader of Hitlerjugend, Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann. First from left is Sonderführer (Z) Kurt Leffler (Landwirtschaftsführer), the holder of Ritterkreuz des Kriegsverdienstkreuz mit Schwertern (Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross with swords).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46770/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=231262&p=2103283#p2103283

Hans-Henning Freiherr von Beust in the Hoffmann Postcard Series

Oberstleutnant Hans-Henning Freiherr von Beust (17 April 1913 - 27 March 1991) in the Hoffmann Postcard Ritterkreuzträger Series R 330. Beust received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in 17 September 1941 as a Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke", and Eichenlaub #336 for his Ritterkreuz in 25 November 1943 as an Oberstleutnant and Geschwaderkommodore Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke".

Source :
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=395&searchword=beust
http://pantorijn.blogspot.co.id/2015/03/hoffmann-postcards-knight-cross-holders.html

Johannes Kümmel after the Battle of Kasserine Pass

Major Johannes Kümmel (Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 8 / 15.Panzer-Division) inspecting the destroyed U.S. Sherman tank after the Battle of Kasserine Pass (19-24 February 1943).

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&sid=c7f62cea5bae043dc3376a476be3d493&start=13860
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=933209

Studio Portrait of Rudolf Siegel

Oberstleutnant der Reserve Rudolf Siegel (29 June 1906 - 9 December 1995) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in 14 February 1945 as Oberstleutnant d.R. and Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 1084 / 544.Volksgrenadier-Division / LIX.Armeekorps / 1.Panzerarmee / Heeresgruppe Mitte. Other medals and decorations that he receives: Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen; Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (5 May 1943); Nahkampfspange in Bronze (1943); Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS (15 May 1944); and Nahkampfspange in Silber (1945).

Source :
Book "Hell's Gate: The Battle Of The Cherkassy Pocket" by Douglas E. Nash
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/18680/Siegel-Rudolf.htm?c=aw

Walter Scherf in His Tiger Tank

Hauptmann der Reserve Walter Scherf, the commander of 3.Kompanie / schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503, in his Tiger tank in Normandy, 1944. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in 23 February 1944 as Oberleutnant der Reserve. From the Panzer I to the Panzer VI, Walter Scherf was able to marry these battle talents to a capacity for the larger strategic factors involved in command of the Panzertruppe's armored fighting force. Few men in the history of the Panzertruppe have been able to make the transition from the Panzer I, Panzer II, Panzer III, Panzer IV, Panzer V, Panzer VI, in each of one of these tanks, to successful high command in a capacity to probe deeper and see further than his contemporaries and ability to give effect to this insight in a practical way. His experience in armored combat was probably longer and more diverse than any other. From 1939-1945, he met and battled practically every type of allied armor. Walter Scherf emerged as a truly outstanding individual, where his skill, initiative, and flexibility were paramount. He took his responsibilities right to the heart into the very vortex of armored combat and sustained his seriously energetic approach to every situation. Hauptmann Walter Scherf latter in the war became the Commanding officer of the newly created Schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 512, equipped with the Jagdtiger heavy tank destroyer, which this unit included top quality personnel and stellar individuals such as Hauptmann Albert Ernst, an experienced Panzerjager, who was nicknamed "The Tiger of Vitebsk" for destroying 54 T-34's with his Nashorn tank destroyer in Russia. And Oberleutnant Otto Carius, who had been already decorated with the Oak leaves while with 2./Schwere Panzer Abteilung 502. The tanks themselves were just assemblies of steel plates, engines, tracks and guns, but it was the crews who manned them who produced the successes and the legends. 

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/166157897827/hauptmann-walter-scherf-the-commander-of-the
http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58574

Studio Portrait of Lambert Mitterwenger

Unteroffizier Lambert Mitterwenger (9 June 1920 - 3 March 2005), the commander of a StuG III (Sturmgeschütz III) assault gun in 2.Kompanie / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 1548, photographed in late 1944 after he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Crosses) in 18 December 1944 for destroying 8 Soviet tanks within a short time in Lithuania, thus playing a pivotal role in stopping a Soviet attack. His last rank was Feldwebel

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/166159354802/unteroffizier-lambert-mitterwenger-the-commander

Siegfried Freytag, Heinrich Bär and Gerhard Michalski

October 1942: Three Ritterkreuzträger (the recipient of Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) from Luftwaffe Jagdflieger. From left to right: Oberleutnant Siegfried "Justav" Freytag (Staffelkapitän 1.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 77. 102 victories), Hauptmann Heinrich "Pritzel" Bär (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 77. 220 victories), and Oberleutnant Gerhard Michalski (Gruppenführer II.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53. 73 victories). Combined, these three flying aces shot down 395 enemy planes! The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Markwardt.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/30331/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Agustín Muñoz Grandes

12 March 1942: Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Generalleutnant Agustín Muñoz Grandes, Commander of 250. Infanterie-Division (Spanien), a unit of Spanish volunteers and conscripts that served in the German Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front (better known as División Azul, Blaue Division, or Blue Division). The officer awarding the medal behind is General der Kavallerie Georg Lindemann (Oberbefehlshaber 18. Armee). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Hausen.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/4459/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Studio Portrait of Johann-Heinrich Eckhardt

Generalleutnant Johann-Heinrich Eckhardt (3 December 1896 - 15 May 1945), the recipient of Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses with Oak Leaves). He received the Ritterkreuz in 20 May 1941 as an Oberst and Kommandeur of Jäger-Regiment 38 / 8.leichten Infanterie-Division, and Eichenlaub #644 in 3 November 1944 as a Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 211. Infanterie-Division.

Source :
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=932541

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Karl Allmendinger

17 July 1941: Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Karl Allmendinger in the Eastern Front during Unternehmen Barbarossa. From left to right: General der Infanterie Richard Ruoff (Kommandierender General V.Armeekorps / 9.Armee), Generalmajor Karl Allmendinger (Kommandeur 5.Infanterie-Division / V.Armeekorps / 9.Armee), and Generaloberst Adolf Strauss (Oberbefehlshaber 9. Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte). Allmendinger would receive the Eichenlaub #153 for his Ritterkreuz in 13 December 1942 as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 5. Jäger-Division.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/3972/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Karl Dönitz with U-Boat Aces and Commanders

September 1943: Großadmiral Karl Dönitz (Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine), accompanied by Kapitän zur See Hans Rudolf Rösing (Führer der U-boote West), greets U-boat commanders and Flottillenchef decorated with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses). From left to right: Fregattenkapitän Ernst Kals (Chef 2. Unterseebootsflottille, Lorient. Received Ritterkreuz in 1 September 1942 as Korvettenkapitän and Kommandant U-130), unidentified (blocked by Dönitz), Korvettenkapitän Klaus Scholtz (Chef 12. Unterseebootsflottille, Bordeaux. Received Ritterkreuz in 26 December 1941 and Eichenlaub in 10 September 1942, both as Korvettenkapitän and Kommandant U-108), Korvettenkapitän Georg-Wilhelm Schulz (shaking hands with Dönitz, Chef 6. Unterseebootsflottille, St. Nazaire. Received Ritterkreuz in 4 April 1941 as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-124), Korvettenkapitän Werner Winter (Chef 1. Unterseebootsflottille, Brest. Received Ritterkreuz in 5 June 1942 as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-103), Korvettenkapitän Heinrich Lehmann-Willenbrock (Chef 9. Unterseebootsflottille, Brest. Received Ritterkreuz in 26 February 1941 and Eichenlaub in 31 December 1941, both as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-96), and Korvettenkapitän Günter Kuhnke (Chef 10. Unterseebootsflottille, Lorient. Received Ritterkreuz in 19 September 1940 as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-28). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Beuchling.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/2867/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://www.tumblr.com/search/ernst%20kals

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Erich Groth and Hans-Joachim Jabs

1 October 1940: Ritterkreuz award ceremony of Zerstörergeschwader 76 (ZG 76). The recipients, from left to right are: Hauptmann Erich Groth (Kommandeur II.Gruppe / Zerstörergeschwader 76) and Oberleutnant Hans-Joachim Jabs (Flugzeugführer und Staffeloffizier in 2.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Zerstörergeschwader 76). Their aircraft is visible in the background. The picture was taken by Leutnant Benno Wundshammer, Kriegsberichter from Propaganda-Kompanie Luftwaffe 1 (PK Lw 1).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31038/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Karl Strecker Last Days in Stalingrad

General der Infanterie Karl Strecker (20 September 1884 - 10 April 1973) in the picture that was published in February 1943, the month he surrendered (along with other Axis forces from 6. Armee) to the Soviet at Stalingrad. Strecker was the commander of XI. Armeekorps during the whole battle at Stalingrad. After the remains of the 6. Armee had subsequentely surrendered since January 8th until February 1st, general Karl Strecker organised the last defence of the tractor factory Dhzreshinsky with his Corps - almost only a few thousand men - which held the apawling Russian forces for two days. The Germans were absolutely outnumbered, starving and had no ammunitions nor water - except for melted snow. Defending themselves with handguns, grenades and bayonets - and in some cases pieces of broken metal from the factory instead of bayonets - they could resist several attacks from the Red Army causing them severe losses. However, the German garrison was completely surrounded and the life conditions just weren't there. The dead remained where they failed and the wounded died of cold and starvation. Fierce man-to-man combat took place, while the starving Germans fought with metal and rocks the attackers. Strecker had a radio left, from which he knew about his promotion and Hitler's exhortations to carry out their historical duty - which they were doing! The Russians attacked with tanks, artillery and mortars. At 08:40 hours they transmited their last message and by 9 o'clock all resistance had been crushed. Only a few men were taken prissoners. He was held in the Soviet Union as a war criminal until 1955. Strecker's postwar claim that he was promoted to Generaloberst on the last day of the battle is unsubstantiated.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31038/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Strecker
http://www.ww2f.com/threads/general-streckers-last-stand.5251/

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Josef Portsteffen

On behalf of der Führer Adolf Hitler, SA-Obergruppenführer Wilhelm Brückner (Chefadjutant Führer und Reichskanzler) awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes to Oberfeldwebel Josef Portsteffen (Stoßtruppführer 1.Kompanie / Pionier-Bataillon 51 [motorisiert] / X.Armeekorps / 18.Armee / Heeresgruppe B). Watching from behind are, from left to right: SS-Gruppenführer Julius Schaub (Persönlicher Adjutant Führer und Reichskanzler) and SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Karl Wolff (Verbindungsoffizier zischen dem Reichsführer SS und dem Führerhauptquartier). Just after the German Fallschirmjäger attacked and captured the Belgian Fort Eben-Emael, the first land forces of the Wehrmacht from Pionier-Bataillon 51 arrived. Portsteffen was the first to fight in a dinghy under fire via the albert canal to reach the paratroopers position. For a couple of hours, there were hard battles for the seizure of the Canal. For his bravery, Portsteffen received the Ritterkreuz at Führerhauptquartier Felsennest in 21 May 1940. He was the first NCO from the Army to receive such a prestigious award!

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31028/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://www.facebook.com/DasRitterkreuz/posts/161287194320634

Karl Weisenberger and German Generals of the Polar Front

From left to right: unidentified Gebirgsjäger officer, General der Infanterie Karl Weisenberger (Kommandierender General XXXVI. Gebirgskorps), Generalleutnant Hermann Tittel (Kommandeur 169. Infanterie-Division), and Generalmajor Anton Dostler (Kommandeur 163. Infanterie-Division). The picture was taken in 1942, when Generaloberst Eduard Dietl (Oberbefehlshaber 20. Gebirgsarmee) visiting troops in the polar region of war (Finland/Norway).

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14230&start=8340
http://www.gettyimages.com/license/549723035

Eduard Dietl Visiting Troops

From left to right: Generaloberst Eduard Dietl (Oberbefehlshaber 20. Gebirgsarmee) and Generalleutnant Hermann Tittel (Kommandeur 169. Infanterie-Division). The picture was taken in 1942, when general Dietl visiting troops in the polar region of war (Finland/Norway).

Hermann Tittel and Eduard Dietl

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14230&start=8340
http://www.gettyimages.ca/license/549723031

Studio Portrait of Heinrich Bleichrodt

German U-boat commander and ace, Korvettenkapitän Heinrich "Ajax" Bleichrodt (21 October 1909 - 9 January 1977), is one of the most successful of the war. From October 1939 until retiring from front line service following a breakdown in December 1943, he sank 25 ships for a total of 152,320 gross register tons. He received the Ritterkreuz in 24 October 1940 as a Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-48, and Eichenlaub #125 in 23 September 1942 as a Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-109.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/30388/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=467&searchword=bleichrodt
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/24135745_heinrich-bleichrodt