Goodness ! Did he really exist?! I just purchased this original German WWII postcard and was delighted to think that I found him!

Sgt Shultz later on.

another pic of our old friend.

In German this hand gesture is also know as "Perlengriff"

Here's an interesting link on the Internet Movie Database about John Banner ..

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0052308/

While there, type in "Hogan's Heroes" to find out other interesting facts about the cast ..

Thanks much for turning us on to the link. I always loved that show when I was a kid (heck, still do) and never heard that the ole Col. & Sarge were Jewish.

Looks like your photo might be a cousin - tabs are dark, probably red - in charge of a flak unit ! Our TV hero was from a flying unit before transferring to the camp.