Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a fantastic Signed Artist Proof, number 6/100, of the print PANZERHELD ("Tank Hero") by artist Jody Harmon. The print depicts German WWII Tank "Ace" SS-Hauptsturmführer Michael Wittmann, who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords after the Battle of Villers-Bocage on 13 June 1944, where he was credited with destroying a huge number of allied tanks and other vehicles. During the battle he commanded a German Tiger I tank, which is illustrated in the background with him on the turret, and bears the number 205, which is a Tiger tank he commanded during the war, and most likely the one he commanded during the battle. There is a June 1944 photo from the German archives that shows him en route to Morgny on this tank.

The print is framed along with its original certificate of authenticity, which also gives some details of his accomplishments. The print itself measures about 181/2"W x 13"H, and framed with the certificate measures 20 1/4"W x 29 1/8" high.

This print came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser's donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this framed print was acquired.

A lovely piece of WWII militaria and military art, ready to hang on the wall!

Michael Wittmann (22 April 1914 – 8 August 1944) was a German Waffen-SS tank commander during the Second World War. He is known for his ambush of elements of the British 7th Armored Division during the Battle of Villers-Bocage on 13 June 1944. While in command of a Tiger I tank, Wittmann was claimed to have destroyed up to 14 tanks, 15 personnel carriers and two anti-tank guns within 15 minutes for the loss of his own tank. For his actions during the battle, Wittmann was promoted to SS-Hauptsturmführer, and awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. The news was disseminated by NSDAP propaganda and added to Wittmann's reputation.

Wittmann became a cult figure after the war thanks to his accomplishments as a "panzer ace" (a highly decorated tank commander), part of the portrayal of the Waffen-SS in popular culture. Historians have mixed opinions about his tactical performance in battle. Some praised his actions at Villers-Bocage, while many others found his abilities lacking, and the praise for his tank kills overstated.

He was credited with destroying 138 enemy tanks in his career.