German WWII Original Photo of Knights Cross Winner Zahn Hilmar-Hilmar was a Hauptmann in the Fallschirmjäger, Germany’s elite paratrooper force during the Second World War. These were soldiers trained not only for airborne assault but also for holding ground under extreme pressure. By the later years of the war, Fallschirmjäger units were often deployed as high quality infantry in some of the most intense defensive battles. Hilmar Zahn was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on June 6, 1944. The Fallschirmjäger had built their reputation early in the war during airborne operations in places like the Low Countries and Crete. But as the war progressed and Germany shifted increasingly to defensive fighting, these units were frequently used as elite ground troops rather than parachute assault forces. As a Hauptmann, Zahn would have carried responsibility not just for his own survival, but for the men under his command. Leadership at company level meant direct involvement in combat decisions, positioning of troops, maintaining morale, and holding lines often under artillery fire, air attack, and armored pressure. After surviving the war, Zahn lived until 2008, reaching the age of 88. This photo measures 5 inches (12.7cm) wide and 3 ½ inches (8.89cm) tall. Stein has signed the photo across his chest in blue ink. This card was signed in the 1980’s when it was popular to write to surviving veterans to ask for memorabilia. This comes with an original envelope and a small ad for a wine company.