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Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl Strecker. Generaloberst Karl Strecker (20 September 1884, Radmannsdorf/West Prussia – 10 April 1973, Riezlern/Austria) was a career German officer who rose to the rank of Generaloberst in the Wehrmacht. A veteran of the First World War and interwar police service, he later commanded the 79. Infanterie-Division during the invasions of Poland, France, and Russia, before leading XI. Armeekorps into the battle of Stalingrad. Promoted to Generaloberst on 31 January 1943, he was one of the senior commanders forced to surrender in the northern pocket of Stalingrad on 2 February 1943. He spent over twelve years in Soviet captivity before being released in October 1955.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 26 October 1941, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 79. Infanterie-Division

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 25 January 1943, as General der Infanterie and Kommandierender General of XI. Armeekorps

• Order of Michael the Brave, 3rd Class (Ordinul Mihai Viteazul Clasa III, Romania) – 6 November 1942, as General der Infanterie and Kommandierender General of XI. Armeekorps

Career Highlights

• Early Career: Entered the Imperial Army in 1905 with Infanterie-Regiment 152. Served as adjutant, company and battalion commander during WWI.

• Police Service: After leaving the Reichswehr in 1920, continued as a police officer, eventually commanding the Police School Münster and rising to Generalmajor der Polizei (1934).

• Command of 79. Infanterie-Division: Led the division from the invasion of Poland (1939) through France (1940) and into Operation Barbarossa (1941). Awarded the Knight’s Cross for distinguished leadership in Russia.

• Higher Command: Promoted to General der Infanterie in 1942, commanded XVII. Armeekorps and then XI. Armeekorps during the drive into southern Russia.

• Stalingrad: Promoted to Generaloberst on 31 January 1943, just one day before the surrender of the northern pocket at Stalingrad. His corps was among the last formations to capitulate on 2 February 1943.

• Soviet Captivity: Held in the USSR from 1943–1955, one of the longest periods of imprisonment among German generals, only freed after Adenauer’s negotiations.

• Postwar: Retired in Austria, passing away in 1973.

Item Details

• Authentic postwar signature of Generaloberst Karl Strecker.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Well-preserved, clear autograph.

Collector’s Note

Karl Strecker’s role as one of the highest-ranking generals captured at Stalingrad, coupled with his promotion to Generaloberst during the final days of the battle, make his autograph highly significant for collectors. His twelve-year Soviet captivity and eventual release in 1955 place him among the most notable survivors of the Stalingrad disaster. Items bearing his signature offer direct historical connection to one of the most decisive battles of the Second World War.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Card with Photo of Helwig Luz. Generalleutnant Helwig Luz (28 June 1892 † 28 April 1980) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. A highly experienced Panzer leader, he was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his achievements with the 11. Panzer-Division.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 15 November 1941, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Schützen-Regiment 110, 11. Panzer-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service before the First World War, serving with distinction in both world wars.

• Commanded Schützen-Regiment 110 of the renowned 11. Panzer-Division, where he earned the Knight’s Cross for his leadership on the Eastern Front in 1941.

• In September 1942, his son Helwig Luz Jr., serving as a Leutnant with Panzer-Regiment 24, was killed in action at Stalingrad.

• Shortly afterward, Luz was recalled to Germany and placed in the Führerreserve, before being assigned in February 1943 to lead the Settlement Office of the 6th Army (Abwicklungsstelle 6. Armee), responsible for administrative and personnel matters following the destruction of the army at Stalingrad.

• Continued to serve in various posts until the end of the war, reaching the rank of Generalleutnant.

• Survived the war and lived in Bavaria until his death in 1980.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Helwig Luz.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Luz’s role as a decorated Panzer commander and later as head of the 6th Army’s settlement office after Stalingrad makes him a figure of historical importance. Combined with the personal tragedy of his son’s death at Stalingrad, his story reflects both the military and human dimensions of the war. His signed photo is a highly collectible piece for those interested in Panzer leaders and Knight’s Cross recipients of the Wehrmacht.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Krappe. Generalleutnant Günther Krappe (13 April 1893, Schilde † 31 December 1981, Altena) was a German Army officer who reached the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. His career included front-line regimental and divisional command as well as high-profile diplomatic roles as military attaché in Hungary and Spain. He is best remembered as commander of the 61. Infanterie-Division on the Eastern Front, where he earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 11 April 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 61. Infanterie-Division.
  Awarded for his skillful leadership of the division in heavy defensive fighting on the Eastern Front, where his command helped stabilize German positions under immense Soviet pressure.

Career Highlights

• Entered Army service in 1912 as Fahnenjunker with the 34. Fusilier-Regiment.

• Served in the First World War as platoon and company leader.

• Interwar service in the Reichswehr as adjutant and company commander.

• Military Attaché in Budapest (1939–1941) and in Madrid (1941–1942).

• Attended the Panzer Troop School at Wünsdorf before divisional command.

• Commanded the 61. Infanterie-Division (1943–1944).

• Delegated with the leadership of the X. Waffen-SS Corps in February–March 1945.

• Captured by the Soviets in March 1945; held prisoner until March 1949.

• Returned to Germany after captivity, living in Altena until his death in 1981.

Item Details

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Günther Krappe.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Small size.

• Condition: Well-preserved, clear autograph.

Collector’s Note

Generalleutnant Günther Krappe’s career combined frontline command with sensitive diplomatic assignments, placing him in key roles both in the field and abroad. His Knight’s Cross reflects his recognized leadership of the 61. Infanterie-Division in 1944, while his later captivity and survival provide additional historical context. His signature remains a desirable addition for collectors of German divisional commanders and Eastern Front memorabilia.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Friedrich Sixt. General der Infanterie Friedrich Sixt (28 October 1895, Munich † 4 August 1976, Icking) was a highly experienced officer of the Bavarian Army, Reichswehr, and later the Wehrmacht. He served in both world wars, being wounded twice in the First World War. A General Staff-trained officer, he held numerous key posts, including Chief of Staff of XXXXIV. Armeekorps and of the 17. Armee. Later, he commanded the 50. Infanterie-Division and the 5. Jäger-Division, leading his units with distinction on the Eastern Front until the end of the war. He rose to the rank of General der Infanterie and was regarded as a tough, capable commander during defensive operations.

Awards and Decorations

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 18 May 1942 as Oberst i.G., Chief of the General Staff, XXXXIV. Armeekorps

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 17 December 1943 as Generalleutnant und Kommandeur, 50. Infanterie-Division, for his successful defensive command of the Perekop Isthmus and the Tatar Wall in the Crimea. (2443rd Award)

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz) – 11 March 1945 as Generalleutnant und Kommandeur, 5. Jäger-Division, for his outstanding leadership during the defensive battles on the Bug and Narew rivers and the skillful withdrawal to the Vistula in January 1945.

• Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht – 12 September 1944, for distinction with his 5. Jäger-Division at the Narew

Item Details:

• Original postwar signed photo of General der Infanterie Friedrich Sixt.

• Size: Smaller size.

• Condition: very good.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Siegfried Hass. Generalleutnant Siegfried Hass (7 June 1898 † 14 December 1987) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. He served with distinction on the Eastern Front, where his leadership earned him some of Germany’s highest awards for bravery and command ability.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 12 September 1942, as Oberstleutnant with Infanterie-Regiment 57.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 18 February 1945, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 170. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• A veteran of the First World War, Hass continued his military service through the Reichswehr into the Wehrmacht.

• Distinguished himself early in the Second World War with Infanterie-Regiment 57, where he earned the German Cross in Gold for his leadership in 1942.

• Later entrusted with divisional command, he was promoted to Generalleutnant and appointed commander of the 170. Infanterie-Division.

• His leadership of this division during the difficult final phases of the war on the Eastern Front brought him the Knight’s Cross in 1945.

• Survived captivity after the war and lived until 1987.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Siegfried Hass.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Hass’s combination of the German Cross in Gold and Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross highlights his career as a proven regimental leader and later divisional commander. His signed photo represents a desirable piece for collectors of Wehrmacht generals and Knight’s Cross recipients.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hermann Hölter. Generalleutnant Hermann Hölter (31 January 1900, Lemgo/Lippe † 5 May 1989, Bad Boll/Baden-Württemberg) was a German career officer who served in both world wars, rising to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht. He spent much of his career as a general staff officer and is particularly remembered for his service as Chief of Staff of the 20. Gebirgs-Armee in Finland and Norway during the later stages of the Second World War.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 17 August 1944, as Generalmajor and Chief of Staff, 20. Gebirgs-Armee

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 3 May 1945, as Generalleutnant and Chief of Staff, 20. Gebirgs-Armee (award disputed; documentation incomplete and contested by later researchers).

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service in 1917 with the 10. Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 180, serving in the final year of the First World War.

• Remained in the Reichswehr, advancing through staff and command positions during the interwar years.

• In 1941, appointed Chief of Staff to the German representative at the Finnish High Command, later serving as Chief of Staff of XXXVI. Gebirgs-Armeekorps.

• From 1944 until the end of the war, served as Chief of Staff of the 20. Gebirgs-Armee, overseeing German operations in Finland and Norway.

• Captured in May 1945, later released.

• Lived in Baden-Württemberg until his death in 1989.

The Knight’s Cross Controversy:
The award of the Knight’s Cross to Hölter on 3 May 1945 remains disputed. While he was listed by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel in the 1986 edition of his reference work, archival evidence from the German Federal Archives is lacking. The OdR (Association of Knight’s Cross Recipients) debated his status multiple times between 1976 and 1984, alternately rejecting and recognizing the claim. Some researchers, such as Veit Scherzer, consider the award highly questionable due to the lack of documented combat justification in Norway in 1945 and Hitler’s March 1945 order restricting awards for leadership only.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Hermann Hölter.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Hölter’s career is significant for his long service in staff positions, his key role in Finland and Norway, and the enduring debate around his Knight’s Cross. This adds an element of rarity and intrigue to his signature, making it a notable acquisition for collectors focusing on German general staff officers and the complex history of late-war decorations.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Emil Vogel. Generalleutnant Emil Vogel (20 July 1894, Zwickau † 1 October 1985, Mülheim) was a veteran officer of both World Wars who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht. He earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his outstanding leadership of the 101. Jäger-Division during some of the fiercest battles on the Eastern Front, including the Kuban bridgehead and the Kamenets-Podolsky pocket.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 7 August 1943, as Generalleutnant and Commander of the 101. Jäger-Division.

  Awarded for his successful leadership during the division’s heavy fighting in the Kuban bridgehead, notably:

  1. The capture of Kurinskij basin on the Tuapse road (03.10.1942).

  2. Personally leading III./Grenadier-Regiment 419 in a counterattack that destroyed Soviet forces at Kulturnyj (09.02.1943).

  3. Crushing the Soviet bridgehead east of Ssakataj (29./30.04.1943).

  4. Eliminating Soviet troops who penetrated the Adagut position at Kesslerovo (01.05.1943).

  5. Retaking and holding Hill 121.4 against tanks and aircraft (26.05.1943).

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 29 March 1944: Recognition of the 101. Jäger-Division’s outstanding performance during the Kamenets-Podolsky encirclement battle.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub) – 14 May 1944, as Generalleutnant and Commander of the 101. Jäger-Division.

  Awarded for the division’s determined defensive and rearguard actions during the breakout from the Kamenets-Podolsky pocket, where Vogel’s troops enabled XLVI. Panzerkorps to avoid destruction.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service in 1914, serving in the First World War with distinction.

• Continued his career in the Reichswehr and later the Wehrmacht, specializing in infantry and light infantry (Jäger) leadership.

• Commanded the 101. Jäger-Division, one of the elite light infantry divisions of the German Army, in heavy fighting on the Eastern Front.

• Recognized as a capable and courageous field commander, personally leading troops in battle on multiple occasions.

• Captured at the end of the war and later released, living in Mülheim until his death in 1985.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Emil Vogel.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent, clear autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Emil Vogel’s decorations — Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and a Wehrmachtbericht mention — place him among the highly respected divisional commanders of the Eastern Front. His leadership in the Kuban bridgehead and at Kamenets-Podolsky highlights his importance in some of the most desperate battles of the war, making his signed photo a rare and desirable addition for collectors of Heer commanders and Knight’s Cross recipients.

Original Postwar Signature on a Carton with Photo Added to it of Hans-Ludwig Speth. General der Artillerie Hans-Ludwig Speth (7 October 1897, Rockenberg-Friedberg/Hesse † 30 April 1985) was a long-serving officer who fought in both World Wars and rose to the rank of General der Artillerie during the Second World War. He was a highly decorated general staff officer and divisional commander, awarded both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 14 April 1942, as Oberst im Generalstab with Stab Generalkommando LIV. Armeekorps.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 February 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 28. Jäger-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Entered service in 1915 with 2. Kurhessisches Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 47, serving as an officer in the First World War.

• Remained in the Reichswehr, advancing through artillery and staff assignments.

• Prewar instructor at the Kriegsakademie Berlin, later promoted to Oberstleutnant in 1939.

• Served as Ia of XXVII. Armeekorps during the 1940 Western campaign.

• Staff service in Romania and Albania in 1940–41 before becoming Chef des Generalstabes LIV. Armeekorps, participating in the Crimea and Leningrad campaigns.

• Awarded the German Cross in Gold in 1942 for his work as a corps staff officer.

• From late 1942 until late 1943 served as Chief of Staff, 18. Armee.

• Appointed Kommandeur of 28. Jäger-Division in December 1943, leading it through difficult Eastern Front fighting and earning the Knight’s Cross in February 1944.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant in 1944, and by October of the same year to General der Artillerie.

• Final wartime role as Commandant of the Kriegsakademie in Berlin until May 1945.

• Survived the war and lived in Hesse until his death in 1985.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Artillerie Hans-Ludwig Speth.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Speth’s career bridged staff excellence and divisional command, with decorations reflecting both aspects. His awards — the German Cross in Gold as a senior staff officer and the Knight’s Cross as a divisional commander — make his autograph a desirable addition for collectors of Heer generals and decorated leaders of the Eastern Front.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Werner von Bercken. Generalleutnant Werner von Bercken (8 February 1897, Oppeln/Silesia † 29 Februry 1976, Röttgen/North Rhine-Westphalia) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. He was a decorated front-line divisional commander on the Eastern Front, earning the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, as well as a citation in the official Wehrmachtbericht.

Awards and Decorations:

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 10 December 1943.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 1 June 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 102. Infanterie-Division.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 October 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 102. Infanterie-Division.

  Awarded for his leadership in the defensive fighting near Novgorod along the Narew river, where his division successfully prevented repeated attempts by the Soviet 47th Army to force a crossing.

Career Highlights:

• Entered the German Army during the First World War.

• Continued service in the interwar Reichswehr and Wehrmacht, rising through the ranks.

• Commanded the 102. Infanterie-Division, where he earned both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross for his determined leadership in the heavy defensive battles of 1943–44.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant in recognition of his service.

• Captured by the Soviets in April 1945 and held as a prisoner of war until October 1955.

• Returned to Germany after his release, living in North Rhine-Westphalia until his death in 1976.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Werner von Bercken.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Smaller size.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Werner von Bercken’s decorations — the German Cross in Gold, the Knight’s Cross, and a Wehrmachtbericht mention — place him among the recognized divisional commanders of the Eastern Front. His long Soviet captivity (1945–1955) adds historical context, making his autograph a compelling piece for collectors of German Army leadership and Eastern Front memorabilia.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of August Wittmann. Generalleutnant August Wittmann (20 July 1895, Munich † 29 March 1977, Glonn/Bavaria) was a long-serving officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. A veteran of both World Wars, he became one of the most decorated artillery commanders of the Gebirgstruppe, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross and the German Cross in Gold, as well as multiple mentions in the official Wehrmachtbericht.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Ritz. Hauptmann Alfred Ritz (10 March 1914, Voerde-Wesel † 12 April 1982, Bonn) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Hauptmann during the Second World War. Serving in the elite 1. Panzer-Division, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership in combat during the final months of the war.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Werner Ranck. Generalmajor Werner Ranck (25 October 1904, Hamburg † 7 December 1989, Hamburg) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. A front-line commander on the Eastern Front, he earned both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 10 February 1944, with X. Armeekorps.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 2 March 1945, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 121. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service in the interwar Reichswehr.

• Rose steadily through the ranks during the Second World War, serving on the Eastern Front.

• Distinguished himself as a staff officer and later as a division commander.

• As commander of the 121. Infanterie-Division, he received the Knight’s Cross for leading his troops in heavy defensive fighting during the final months of the war.

• Promoted to Generalmajor by 1945.

• Survived captivity and returned to Hamburg, where he lived until his death in 1989.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Werner Ranck.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Smaller ID size.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Ranck’s dual decorations — the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross — underline his reputation as a competent and proven commander on the Eastern Front. His autograph is a desirable addition for collectors of late-war Heer division commanders and Knight’s Cross recipients.