Old man with grey beard wearing German cross medal

I have had this framed oil(I think) painting on canvas for ten or so years. Not even sure where it came from. It was framed by Knaffl and Bro, Knoxville, TN. That is the label on the back of the frame. The back side of the frame is covered with brown paper. I have not opened for cut into that yet. The older gentleman is wearing a German cross medal. The signature in the bottom left is very difficult to make out. I have always thought that there may be a story behind this painting. Does anyone have a clue about it? I would be very interested to hear about it.
Brad
bhutsell@hotmail.com