Hans Eckert

Hans Eckert (1 June 1916 — 11 July 1974) was a Hauptsturmführer (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.

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 Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) in July 1941. He commanded 14th Company, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Deutschland and on 9 November 1942, was promoted to Obersturmführer (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 Hauptsturmführer (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.