Hauptsturmführer Heinz Hämel with a ridiculously oversized replica of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross hanging around his neck. June 1944, Estonia. [475×766]
Heinz Hämel was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on 16th June 1944. He was SS hauptsturmführer of the SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 24 Danmark, part of the 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland.
And as far as I know, putting on some type of oversized wooden Knight’s Cross such as this, for purpose of commemorative photograph, was all common once a recipient was informed that he had been officially awarded the Knight’s Cross. The actual ceremony could take place a few days or weeks later.
![Hauptsturmführer Heinz Hämel with a ridiculously oversized replica of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross hanging around his neck. June 1944, Estonia. [475x766]](https://i.redd.it/30st2q9pst841.jpg)
U-Boot
Heinz Hämel was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on 16th June 1944. He was SS hauptsturmführer of the SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 24 Danmark, part of the 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland.
And as far as I know, putting on some type of oversized wooden Knight’s Cross such as this, for purpose of commemorative photograph, was all common once a recipient was informed that he had been officially awarded the Knight’s Cross. The actual ceremony could take place a few days or weeks later.