SS-Sturmbannführer Franz Hack (Kommandeur III.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania" / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") in Camouflage Smock receives first aid for light wound from a medic in East-Central Poland, 17 April 1944. In the background is his MP44. Hack was wounded by hand grenade splinters in the face and right hand while personally participating in the fighting in the forward line with his own Sturmgewehr 44 and hand grenades. His prudent leadership and personal daring was of great importance for the relief of ‘Fortress’ Kovel. Out of the millions who fought for the German Reich in World War II, only 98 received both the Ritterkreuz (Knight's Cross) and the Nahkampfspange (Close-Combat Clasp) in Gold. Hack was one of them. He was the first person whose awarding of the Eichenlaub (Oakleaves) which did not occur with a number. The award was made by SS-Obergruppenführer Herbert Gille and SS-Oberführer Karl Ullrich in April 1945. According to the countings it would have been the 844th award. Franz Hack wrote in the preface to the classic photo album 'Panzergrenadiere Der Panzerdivision Wiking im Bild': "Volunteers of almost every European nation, fought in the companies of the regiment, and – here it shall not be forgotten – as loyal comrades in arms, they thereby gave for the first time practical embodiment to the European ideal. The brave men of Wiking need no additional glorification". Franz Hack ended the war as an SS-Obersturmbannführer and died aged 82 on 9 June 1997 in Schleswig-Holstein. Photo by staff member of the Germania, SS-Unterscharführer Ernst Baumann. 
Source :
"Panzer Grenadiere - der Panzerdivision 'Wiking' im Bild"
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