SS-Pz. Abt. 11 „Hermann von Salza“
Hermann von Salza (1170 – 1239) was the Großmeister des Deutschritterordens (Grand Master of the Order of Teutonic Knights) from 1209 until his death and a close associate of Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa. An extraordinarily capable diplomat and leader, he is recognized as the most important Grand Master of his order. The order, which is also known as the Deutscher Orden and the Deutschherren, was founded in the late 1190s during the crusades and was heavily involved in eastern expansion and, at the peak of its power in the mid-14th century ruled, among others, Prussia, Estonia and Courland. (Which is also the reason why the heraldic shield of the Grand Master of the Order of Teutonic Knights was incorporated into the design of the “Kurland” cuffband, the Third Reich’s last instituted campaign award.)
It is interesting to note that the colors of the Deutschritterorden – white and black – were not only inherited by the state of Prussia but were also the colors of the SS.
The division was authorized to wear a cuff title bearing its name.
http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=1516
