| Hans Eckert | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 June 1916 Mittelfranken, Germany |
| Died | 11 July 1974 Kitzingen on the Main, Germany |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Waffen-SS |
| Years of service | 1934–1945 |
| Rank | Hauptsturmführer |
| Unit | 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| 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 |
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. Which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Hans Eckert was born at Zailach in Middle Franconia on the 1 June 1916. He joined the SS-VT in 1934, he was selected to become an officer and was promoted to Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) in July 1941, and commanded the 14th Company, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Deutschland and on the 9 November 1942, he was promoted to Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant).[1] In February 1943 he was given command of the 8th Company, Deutschland Regiment and was awarded the German Cross in Gold.[1][2]
In March 1944 he was given command of a Battalion in the Kampfgruppe, Das Reich. On the 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.[1]
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.[1][2]
Eckert survived the war and died on the 11 July 1974.[1]