Maximilian Sachsenheimer – Jäger-Regiment 75 & 17. Infanterie-Division (Schwertern)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Maximilian Heinrich “Max” Sachsenheimer. Generalmajor Max Sachsenheimer (5 December 1909, Mühlbach † 2 June 1973, Merzhausen) was a German officer of the Heer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor in the final year of the Second World War. He was one of the rare recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, recognized for his determined leadership and bravery on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 954th award) – 5 April 1942, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur II./Jäger-Regiment 75, 5. leichte Infanterie-Division.

  Awarded for leading the assault on Point 31 near Jaswy (28 March 1942), securing the Staraya-Russa road, a vital prerequisite for German operations in this sector.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, award 287/51) – 3 February 1943, as Major and Kommandeur II./Jäger-Regiment 75, 5. Jäger-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 472nd award) – 14 May 1944, as Major and Führer Jäger-Regiment 75, 5. Jäger-Division.

  Recognized for his regiment’s distinguished actions in the relief of Kovel (March–April 1944), capturing Zyrcze, Piaseczno, and St. Myzowa while repelling repeated Soviet counterattacks.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) – 6 February 1945, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 17. Infanterie-Division, 9. Armee, Heeresgruppe A.

  Awarded for his division’s stand during the Soviet January 1945 offensive from the Pulawy bridgehead, where his forces destroyed over 100 enemy tanks, and for the counterattack at Dyhernfurth (5 February 1945), where his troops recaptured a critical poison gas factory to prevent it from falling into Soviet hands.

Career Highlights:

• Began his career in the Reichswehr, serving as a young officer in the 1930s.

• Gained distinction early in the war as a company and battalion commander in the 5. Infanterie-Division.

• Repeatedly recognized for bold leadership and front-line presence, especially in the East.

• Commanded the 17. Infanterie-Division in the final battles of 1945, fighting in Poland and Silesia.

• Rose to the rank of Generalmajor before the war’s end.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Max Sachsenheimer.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent, with a sharp and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Sachsenheimer stands out as a Swords recipient, one of the most exclusive decorations of the Wehrmacht. His leadership at Kovel and Dyhernfurth, as well as his rare combination of Knight’s Cross, Oak Leaves, and Swords, make his signature highly sought after among collectors of decorated Eastern Front commanders.