German WWII Original Signed Photo of Knights Cross Winner Wilsnack Burghardt von Saldern-Saldern served in the German Army (Heer) and reached the rank of Major. He commanded the II. Battalion of Grenadier-Regiment 51 (motorized). In early 1944, his battalion was engaged in intense defensive operations against Soviet forces on the Eastern Front. Saldern was decorated on May 4, 1944, for successfully holding and stabilizing the defensive lines near Krasnitza, which prevented a breakdown of the sector shortly before the mass Soviet summer offensive (Operation Bagration). This was not his first recognition for leadership under fire; he had already earned the German Cross in Gold (June 1943) and the Honor Roll Clasp of the Army (September 1943) for previous defensive battles near Staraja Russa and Smolensk Interesting that during Operation Bagration his unit was completely overrun and was decimated. The unit basically ceased to exist. Hitler denied their retreat, and they were over run in the pocket. Major von Saldern-Wilsnack was captured by Soviet troops during the chaotic collapse of the pocket in June/July 1944. He survived the destruction of his regiment but spent the next decade as a Soviet prisoner of war, finally being released in 1954. He returned to Germany after his captivity and survived until October 2002. In this black and white photo, you can see his honor clasp as long as his Iron Cross 1st class and his knights cross. The photo measures 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. It is nicely signed at the bottom in black ink. There is an address label on the reverse of the photo as well. This includes the original envelope. There is also a very nice letter to Mrs. Bartsch who requested the photo. This is in very good condition.