The warning sign reads "Partisanen-Gefahr / von Velizh nach Usvyaty / Einzelfahrzeuge halt! / Waffen bereithalten", meaning "Partisan Danger / From Velizh to Usvyaty / Single vehicles stop! / Weapons at the ready".

This Panzer IV is crossing the SS 82 in the Liri Valley; Balsorano Vecchio and its castle are clearly visible.

From my personal collection.

As far as i found out, it is Helmut Hauch.

https://rz-trauer.de/traueranzeige/helmut-hauch-1925

As a platoon leader in the 10th Company of the 3rd fallschirmjäger Regiment , he fought on the Leningrad Front during the Russian campaign. At the end of 1941, Sassen and his unit were in a defensive position at the Neva bridgehead near Vyborgaskaya. He successfully repelled all Soviet attacks over the course of 33 days.

On November 15, 1941, the Soviets occupied an anti- tank ditch just a few meters in front of the German lines. Sassen then independently decided to launch a counterattack. With only five paratroopers from his squad, he annihilated the Soviet forces in the anti-tank ditch, taking several prisoners. The defeat triggered a series of desertions to the German side the following day and led to the temporary cessation of Soviet attacks in that sector. For this action, Lieutenant Sassen was awarded the Knight's Cross of Iron cross.

He died in 2006.

This photo is possibly from 1944 in France , According to Martin Bamber's book "For Free India" page 409, Sant Singh's Soldbuch shows that his final rank was Oberleutnant, and he also served as a staff officer in the Croatian Volunteer Legion , He was also awarded EK2.

Probably the inspiration for Rolf Steiner from Cross of Iron movie.

Note- The picture is during or after 1942 not 1941 as close combat clasp were introduced in late 1942

There are two documented recipients of EK1 and EK2 from the Free India legion ,

Also the other medal could be the anti partisan badge as these soldiers were also fighting the partisans in France.