Lot 8899: Hans Eckert,

Recommendation for award of the Knight's Cross to the Obersturmführer and commander of the grenadier battalion in SS battle group "Das Reich", dated 14 April 1944. With handwritten signature in ink "Weidinger", of SS Sturmbannführer Otto Weidinger, commander of SS battle group "Das Reich", on the cover sheet of the explanatory statement in addition to the handwritten signature "Gollnick" in indelible pencil for Hans Gollnick, General of Infantry and commander of 46th Panzer Corps, beneath his endorsement. A total of four pages on copy paper, DIN A4, holed.
On 4 May 1944 Hans Eckert was recognised with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for exemplary actions during the conquest of Height 347 near Slone on 12 April 1944. Eckert succeeded in stabilising the front line of 46th Panzer Corps as a result of this engagement.
One week after signing this Knight's Cross recommendation, Weidinger himself was awarded the Knight's Cross on 21 April. As commanding officer of Panzergrenadier Regiment "Der Führer" in Normandy, Weidinger's unit participated in the 10 June 1944 Oradour massacre.

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