Georg Graf von Rittberg – 88. Infanterie-Division (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Georg Graf von Rittberg. Generalleutnant Georg Graf von Rittberg (30 May 1898, Weidenau † 6 June 1973, Wiesbaden) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. A highly regarded divisional commander, he distinguished himself leading the 88. Infanterie-Division on the Eastern Front and was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. He was also twice honored in the official Wehrmachtbericht communiqués for the fighting spirit and toughness of his division.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, 66/8) – 29 January 1942, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Artillerie-Regiment 131.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 2743rd award) – 21 February 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 88. Infanterie-Division, 8. Armee, Heeresgruppe Süd.

  Awarded for his role during the breakout from the Cherkassy pocket, where he commanded part of the rearguard that shielded the flanks and rear of retreating German divisions. Following heavy fighting, he led his own men out by spearheading an energetic attack along the Dshurshenzy–Potschapinzy line.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub zum Eisernen Kreuz, 624th award) – 10 October 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 88. Infanterie-Division, XXXXII. Armeekorps, 4. Panzer-Armee, Heeresgruppe Nordukraine.

  Recognized for his command of the 88. Infanterie-Division during the summer fighting of 1944, particularly in the great Vistula bend. Under his leadership, the division counterattacked south of Opatów and held defensive positions on the northern flank of the Baranów bridgehead against repeated Soviet attacks.

• Wehrmachtbericht Mentions –
  18 July 1944: Commended for toughness in combat on the northern Eastern Front.
  19 August 1944: Cited for unshakeable courage and reckless determination during the defensive battles in the great bend of the Vistula.

Career Highlights:

• Served in World War I, remaining in the Reichswehr throughout the interwar years as an artillery officer.

• Commanded Artillerie-Regiment 131, where his leadership brought him the German Cross in Gold in 1942.

• Promoted to command the 88. Infanterie-Division, gaining the Knight’s Cross at Cherkassy in 1944 and later the Oak Leaves during the Vistula battles.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant, continuing to lead in the final year of the war.

• Survived captivity and lived in Wiesbaden until his death in 1973.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Georg Graf von Rittberg.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Georg Graf von Rittberg’s reputation as a tough divisional commander, his two Wehrmachtbericht mentions, and his award of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves make his signature especially desirable. A scarce and historically significant piece for collectors of Knight’s Cross recipients and Eastern Front commanders.