Fritz Langanke – SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 “Das Reich” (Normandy)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Fritz Langanke. SS-Obersturmführer Fritz Langanke (15.07.1919 † 10.07.2012) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on August 27, 1944 as SS-Standarten-Oberjunker und Zugführer of the 2. Kompanie/ SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 of the 2. SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich“. Postcardsize. Condition as seen. Knight’s Cross: “SS-Standartenoberjunker Langanke, Zugführer in the II./SS-Pz.Rgt. 2, was separated from his Abteilung along with 3 Panthers on the 28.07.1944. In this time he made the independent decision to rally 300 Heer Grenadiers and launch a breakout attempt on the night of the 29./30.07.1944. Advancing via St. Denis he personally destroyed 13 tanks, 4 anti-tank guns, 8 halftracks and 10 trucks over a series of hard yet successful engagements. Ultimately he managed to make it back to friendly lines while also clearing open the way to freedom for many other units including a self-propelled Flak-Batterie (with five 3.7 cm guns), 2 Grille SPGs, 3 Sturmgeschützen and 29 trucks.”