Franz Griesbach – Grenadier-Regiment 399 (Schwertern)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Franz Griesbach. Generalmajor Franz Griesbach (21 December 1892 † 24 September 1984) was a German officer of the Heer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. A highly decorated front-line commander, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his leadership of infantry regiments in the bitter fighting on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 14 March 1942, as Major and Kommandeur of I./Infanterie-Regiment 391, 170. Infanterie-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 252nd award) – 17 May 1943, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 399, 170. Infanterie-Division.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern, 65th award) – 6 March 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 399, 170. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• World War I veteran who continued his career in the interwar Reichswehr and later the Wehrmacht.

• Distinguished himself early on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross in 1942 for his leadership of I./Infanterie-Regiment 391.

• As commander of Grenadier-Regiment 399, he led his men through some of the hardest battles of 1943–44, earning both the Oak Leaves and later the Swords to the Knight’s Cross.

• Promoted to Generalmajor, one of the few officers of his rank to be awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

• Survived the war, captivity, and lived until 1984.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Franz Griesbach.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Griesbach’s decorations mark him as one of the rare recipients of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, awarded only 159 times during the war. His leadership of regiments in the 170. Infanterie-Division on the Eastern Front makes this signature especially desirable for collectors of high-ranking and highly decorated Heer officers.