Hugo Eichhorn – SS-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 5 “Wiking”

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hugo Eichhorn. SS-Obersturmbannführer Hugo Eichhorn (11.02.1911 † 27.05.1992) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on January 15, 1943 as SS-Hauptsturmführer with the Stab/ S-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 5 of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking”. Knight’s Cross: “On the 08.01.1943 SS-Hauptsturmführer Eichhorn first defended Orlowskaja against a regimental-sized attack on his own initiative with 2 weak Kompanien. Then, in a counterthrust of his own, he smashed the enemy’s 550th Regiment. Through this Eichhorn has exhibited an example of the highest devotion to duty, and through his independent actions he once again brought the important road/railway junction firmly under friendly control. Over 700 enemy dead were counted. 5 artillery pieces, 3 heavy anti-tank guns, 1 heavy AA gun, 8 anti-tank rifles, 22 MGs, numerous small arms and 30 horse-drawn wagons were also captured.”