Eduard Dietl – 3.Geb.Div., Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen & 20. Gebirgsarmee (Schwertern) (Wartime Signed)

Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Generaloberst Eduard Dietl (21 July 1890 † 23 June 1944) was one of the most renowned commanders of the German mountain troops (Gebirgstruppe) during the Second World War. Rising from Generalleutnant to Generaloberst, he led German forces in Norway and later commanded the 20. Gebirgsarmee in the far north. He was among the earliest recipients of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes and one of the very few to be awarded the Eichenlaub and Schwertern.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 9 May 1940, as Generalleutnant und Kommandeur of 3. Gebirgs-Division.

• Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 19 July 1940, as Generalleutnant und Kommandierender General of Gebirgs-Korps Norwegen.

• Swords (Schwertern) – 1 July 1944, as Generaloberst und Oberbefehlshaber of 20. Gebirgsarmee.

• Additional awards: Iron Cross (1914) 1st and 2nd Class, Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939), and numerous foreign and campaign decorations.

Item Details

• Original wartime signature of Generaloberst Eduard Dietl.

• Signed on a wartime postcard.

• Condition: As seen – period ink signature, postcard stock consistent with the era.

Death

On 23 June 1944, the Ju 52 transport aircraft carrying Dietl crashed near Rettenegg, Styria, killing him along with General der Infanterie Thomas-Emil von Wickede, General der Gebirgstruppe Karl Eglseer, Generalleutnant Franz Rossi, and three others. There were no survivors.

Collector’s Note

Eduard Dietl remains one of the most iconic figures of the Gebirgstruppe and among the most decorated German commanders of WWII. His status as a Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern recipient, combined with his high command role and tragic death in 1944, makes his original wartime autograph a highly desirable and rare collectible.