Wilhelm Schmalz – Schützen-Regiment 11 & Panzer-Division “Hermann Göring” (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Schmalz. Generalleutnant Wilhelm Schmalz (1 March 1901, Zittau † 14 March 1983, Bad Godesberg) was a German officer of the Heer and later of the Luftwaffe’s elite Panzer formations, rising to the rank of Generalleutnant. He earned both the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and the German Cross in Gold for his battlefield leadership, most notably with the Panzer-Division “Hermann Göring”.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 28 November 1940, as Major and Kommandeur of I./Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 11, 11. Schützen-Brigade, 11. Panzer-Division.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 8 February 1942, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Kradschützen-Bataillon 59.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 December 1943, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Panzer-Division “Hermann Göring”.

Career Highlights:

• Entered service in the Reichswehr and advanced through the mobile arm of the German Army.

• Distinguished himself early in the war with Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 11 and Kradschützen-Bataillon 59, earning the Knight’s Cross and German Cross.

• Transferred to the elite Panzer-Division “Hermann Göring”, which he led with distinction in Italy and on the Eastern Front.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant, commanding the division during the heavy defensive battles of 1943–44.

• Captured at the end of the war and later released from Allied captivity.

• Lived in postwar Germany until his death in 1983.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Wilhelm Schmalz.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.