Description
WARTIME KNIGHTS CROSS PORTRAIT PHOTO & SIGNATURE – WOLFGANG DARIUS – PANZER ABTEILUNG 21
Wolfgang Darius (April 2, 1911 – November 18, 2000) was a German army officer who served in the Second World War, primarily in armored (panzer) units.
Military Career:
- Joined the Wehrmacht in 1935 after labor service.
- Served in the 1st Panzer Division in reconnaissance and tank units.
- Rose steadily in rank from reserve NCO to Major (1943).
- Held several command roles, including:
- Company commander in Panzer Regiment 1
- Commander of Panzer-Abteilung 21 (20th Panzer Division)
- Later commanded a reconnaissance battalion and Panzer Regiment “Feldherrnhalle”
Notable Achievement:
- Awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in August 1943 as a Hauptmann (Captain).
- Earned it during fighting near Orel, where his unit reportedly destroyed 48 Soviet tanks in a counterattack.
Awards & Decorations:
- Iron Cross (2nd Class – 1940; 1st Class – 1941)
- Knight’s Cross (1943)
- Multiple Wound Badges (Black, Silver, Gold)
- Panzer Badge (including higher grade for 50 engagements)
- Eastern Front Medal (1942)
- Wehrmacht long service award
Overall:
Darius was a highly decorated panzer commander known for frontline leadership and effectiveness in armored combat, particularly on the Eastern Front.
