Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Othmar Hermes Leutnant Othmar Hermes (25 November 1925 – 12 January 2014) was a decorated front-line soldier of the Wehrmacht who distinguished himself during the heavy fighting on the Eastern Front. Awards and Decorations Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse) Infantry Assault Badge (Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen) Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 11 June 1944 as Gefreiter und Kompaniemelder, 6. Kompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 464, 253. Infanterie-Division Career Highlights Eastern Front Service: Fought with Grenadier-Regiment 464 during the bitter defensive battles against the advancing Red Army. Knight’s Cross Action: Recognized for his extraordinary bravery as a company runner (Kompaniemelder). Despite being only a Gefreiter, Hermes showed decisive courage under fire, contributing directly to the survival and fighting capacity of his unit. Postwar Career: Rose to the rank of Leutnant der Reserve and lived a long postwar life, passing away in 2014. Item Details Type: Original postwar signed photograph Size: Postcard format Condition: As seen – good condition, clear autograph Collector’s Note Hermes stands out as one of the youngest Knight’s Cross recipients of the Wehrmacht, having earned the high award as just a Gefreiter at age 18. His autograph is sought after for its rarity and for the remarkable circumstances of his Ritterkreuz award.
