Allegiance Nazi Germany Battles/wars World War II Battles and wars World War II Rank Hauptsturmfuhrer | Years of service 1934–45 Name Hans Eckert Service/branch Waffen-SS | |
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross 1st Class
Iron Cross 2nd Class
German Cross in Gold
Close Combat Clasp in Gold Died July 11, 1974, Kitzingen, Germany Unit 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich | ||
Kona Coffee in Hawaii 1/2
Hans Eckert (1 June 1916 — 11 July 1974) was a Hauptsturmfuhrer (Captain), in the Waffen-SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Contents
Early life
Hans Eckert was born at Zailach in Middle Franconia on 1 June 1916. He joined the SS-VT in 1934.
World War II
Eckert was selected to become an officer and was promoted to Untersturmfuhrer (Second Lieutenant) in July 1941. He commanded 14th Company, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Deutschland and on 9 November 1942, was promoted to Obersturmfuhrer (First Lieutenant).
In February 1943 Eckert was given command of 8th Company, Deutschland Regiment and was awarded the German Cross in Gold. In March 1944, he was given command of a Battalion in the Kampfgruppe, Das Reich.
On 5 April his Kampfgruppe started a dawn attack in the Stratkowze, Wysuzka, Olexinze and Skypowce sector which by 7 April had reached Tluste - Miasto, capturing a number of Red Army men and equipment. For these actions Eckert was awarded the Knight's Cross, the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and promoted to Hauptsturmfuhrer (Captain), and given command of the I. Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Deutschland.
Postwar
Eckert survived the war and died on 11 July 1974.