Johannes Steinhoff – Jagdgeschwader 52 & 77 (Schwertern, 176 Victories!)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Johannes Steinhoff. Oberstleutnant Johannes Steinhoff (15 September 1913, Bottendorf † 21 February 1994, Wachtberg) was one of Germany’s most famous Luftwaffe fighter aces and later a respected Bundeswehr general. Rising to the rank of Oberstleutnant in the Luftwaffe, he became a triple recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords and ended the war with 176 confirmed aerial victories.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 30 August 1941, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of 4./Jagdgeschwader 52.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 2 September 1942, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur of II./Jagdgeschwader 52.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves (Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub) – 28 July 1944, as Oberstleutnant and Kommodore of Jagdgeschwader 77.

Career Highlights:

• Began his Luftwaffe career before the outbreak of WWII, gaining fame with Jagdgeschwader 52, the Luftwaffe’s most successful fighter wing.

• Fought on both the Eastern Front and in the West, achieving the majority of his 176 aerial victories against the Soviet Air Force.

• Severely injured in a crash in April 1945, ending his combat career.

• After the war, became one of the key architects of the Bundesluftwaffe, serving as Chief of Staff of the Luftwaffe and later as Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee.

• Widely respected by both former adversaries and allies, he was recognized as one of the great postwar military leaders of West Germany.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Oberstleutnant Johannes Steinhoff.

• Signed on a postwar photo (postcard size).

• Condition: As seen, with a clear autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Johannes Steinhoff is one of the best-known Luftwaffe aces, and his autograph is highly sought after by collectors. His combination of wartime success, high decorations, and prominent postwar career in NATO makes his signature especially significant. A desirable piece for any advanced collection of Luftwaffe or Knight’s Cross holders.