Shop

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 Wartime Signature on a Wartime Postcard of Alfred Haase. Oberst Alfred Haase
(9 September 1898 † 24 February 2000) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Oberst and was a decorated front-line pioneer commander. He received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in April 1942 for his leadership of Kampfgruppe Haase during the harsh winter battles of 1941/42. His distinguished combat leadership also earned him a mention in the Wehrmachtbericht.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 1 April 1942, as Major and leader of Kampfgruppe Haase / Kommandeur of Pionier-Lehr-Bataillon 2.

  • Awarded for the outstanding defense of the Ugra train station and bridgehead from February 14, 1942. Despite encirclement from 24 February, Haase’s Kampfgruppe repelled 12 strong Soviet attacks (day and night), often in bitter close combat. He personally directed bold counterthrusts, captured prisoners who provided valuable intelligence, and held a key point that prevented the linking of two enemy forces. His steadfast leadership was deemed vital to the success of 4. Armee.

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 13 April 1942

  • “Major Haase, commander of a pioneer battalion, has distinguished himself with his subordinates battle group during weeks of successful defense of a hard fought over strong point.”

Career Highlights

• Leader of Kampfgruppe Haase, which held the critical Ugra sector during the Soviet winter offensive of 1941/42.

• Known for his resolute defensive leadership under encirclement and vastly superior enemy numbers.

• Promoted to Oberst, continuing his service as a respected pioneer commander.

• Lived to the remarkable age of 101, passing away in 2000, making him one of the last surviving Knight’s Cross holders of his generation.

Item Details

• Original wartime signature of Oberst Alfred Haase.

• Signed on a wartime postcard.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved period autograph.

Collector’s Note

Alfred Haase’s Knight’s Cross citation is a striking example of a small Kampfgruppe holding firm under overwhelming pressure, a feat celebrated by the Wehrmachtbericht. His centenarian lifespan and status as one of the last surviving decorated officers add unique historical value. This wartime-signed postcard offers a rare piece of history connected to the pioneer arm of the Heer and the bitter defensive battles of the Eastern Front.

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 Otto-Joachim Lüdecke. Generalleutnant Otto-Joachim Lüdecke (27 May 1895, Staßfurt † 14 February 1971, Hassel) was a career officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht. Beginning his service in 1913 as a Fahnenjunker, he advanced through both world wars, serving in various staff and command functions. During the Second World War, he held key engineering and infantry leadership posts, including as commander of the 56. Infanterie-Division and later of the 264. Infanterie-Division.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 8 August 1943, as Generalmajor und Kommandeur of the 56. Infanterie-Division, for his leadership and command performance on the Eastern Front.

Item Details:

• Original postwar signature of Generalleutnant Otto-Joachim Lüdecke.

• Signed on a postwar photo. Small size.

• Condition: Very good.

Collector’s Note:
As a decorated division commander, Lüdecke’s Knight’s Cross award and his long career spanning both world wars make his autograph a highly desirable addition for collectors focusing on Wehrmacht leadership and combat operations of the Eastern Front.

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 Siegfried Westphal. General der Kavallerie Siegfried Westphal (18 March 1902, Leipzig † 2 July 1982, Celle) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of General der Kavallerie during the Second World War. A highly respected staff officer, he served as Chief of Staff to some of Germany’s most famous field commanders, including Erwin Rommel and Albert Kesselring, and later became Chief of Staff of OB West under Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 29 November 1942, as Oberst i.G. in the General Staff of Panzergruppe Afrika.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 18 May 1943, as Oberst i.G. and Chief of Staff of Panzerarmee Afrika.

Career Highlights:

• Began his career in the cavalry during the Reichswehr years, later transferring to the General Staff.

• In North Africa, served as Chief of Staff to Rommel, where his organizational skill and clarity of thought proved indispensable in managing Panzerarmee Afrika.

• Decorated with the German Cross in Gold and later the Knight’s Cross for his service in the African campaign.

• After the collapse of Axis forces in Africa, he was reassigned to Italy and later to France.

• Served as Chief of Staff to OB West during the Normandy campaign of 1944, working under Rundstedt during the Allied landings and subsequent battles in France.

• Captured in 1945 and later released from captivity.

• In postwar years, he became a respected military historian, publishing memoirs and works on the war, and later served as a NATO adviser.

• Died in 1982 in Celle.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Kavallerie Siegfried Westphal.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Westphal’s combination of frontline General Staff roles — serving directly under Rommel, Kesselring, and Rundstedt — makes him one of the most historically significant German staff officers of the war. His awards, his presence at many of the key campaigns of WWII, and his postwar prominence as an author and NATO figure make his signed material highly desirable.

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 Wilhelm Fahrmbacher. General der Artillerie Wilhelm Fahrmbacher (19 September 1888, Zweibrücken † 27 April 1970, Garmisch-Partenkirchen) was a career officer who served in both World Wars and rose to the rank of General der Artillerie. A highly decorated divisional and corps commander, he earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his successes during the 1940 French campaign and later led large formations on the Eastern and Western Fronts.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 24 June 1940, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 5. Infanterie-Division.

  Recognized for his decisive leadership during the breakthrough battles across the Marne on the night of 13/14 June 1940. His division’s bold assault forced an early French retreat and opened the way for a rapid German pursuit over the Aube and Seine rivers. Fahrmbacher’s energy and initiative proved of decisive importance for the success of the campaign.

• German Cross in Silver (Deutsches Kreuz in Silber) – 30 October 1943, as General der Artillerie and Kommandierender General of XXV. Armeekorps.

Career Highlights:

• Commissioned into the Bavarian Army in 1910 and served with distinction during the First World War.

• In 1938, appointed Kommandeur of 5. Infanterie-Division, leading it with success during the campaign in France in 1940.

• Promoted to General der Artillerie, later took command of VII. Armeekorps and XXV. Armeekorps, serving on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

• Commanded Heeresgruppe Normandie in June 1944 and later acted as Fortress Commander of Lorient in Brittany, holding out until the final German surrender in May 1945.

• Captured by U.S. forces in 1945, held as a prisoner of war until 1950.

• After his release, served as a military adviser in Egypt (1951–1958), contributing to the organization of the postwar Egyptian Army.

• Retired to Bavaria, where he lived until his death in 1970.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Artillerie Wilhelm Fahrmbacher.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Smaller ID size.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Fahrmbacher’s signature is especially desirable due to his decorated service as a Knight’s Cross recipient, his command of both divisions and corps in major campaigns, and his long resistance as Fortress Commander of Lorient until 1945. His unique postwar career as a military adviser in Egypt adds further historical significance, appealing to collectors interested in both WWII and Cold War military history.

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.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Otto Hitzfeld. General der Infanterie Otto Hitzfeld (7 May 1898 † 6 December 1990) was a highly decorated officer of the German Army during the Second World War, ultimately rising to corps command. Over the course of his career he became one of the few recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, marking him among the Wehrmacht’s elite leadership.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 30 October 1941, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 213, 73. Infanterie-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz) – 17 January 1942, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 213, 73. Infanterie-Division.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves (Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub) – 9 May 1945, as General der Infanterie and Kommandierender General of LXVII. Armeekorps.

Career Highlights:

• A veteran of the First World War who continued his military career through the interwar years.

• Distinguished himself on the Eastern Front with the 73. Infanterie-Division, earning both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves for regimental leadership.

• Rose through senior commands, culminating as General der Infanterie and commander of LXVII. Armeekorps in the final phase of the war.

• Survived the war and lived until 1990, making him one of the longest-lived Swords recipients.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Otto Hitzfeld.

• Medium: Postcard-sized format.

• Condition: Good, with clear autograph and presentation.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Helmut Besch. Generalmajor Helmut Besch (17 April 1892, Strasbourg † 13 October 1974, Tübingen) was a career officer whose service spanned both the Imperial and Wehrmacht eras, culminating in his appointment as Generalmajor in November 1942.

Career & Commands

• Prewar Service: Commander of the Truppenübungsplatz (Training Area) Heuberg (from 1 December 1935).

• Commands during WWII:

  • Kommandant Truppenübungsplatz Heuberg (1 September 1939)

  • Kommandant Truppenübungsplatz Harskamp (20 June 1940)

  • Kommandant Truppenübungsplatz Galizien (Janów near Lemberg, 9 March 1942 – 10 April 1944)

  • Returned as Kommandant Truppenübungsplatz Heuberg (20 May 1944).

Promotions

• Oberst – 1 January 1938

• Generalmajor – 1 November 1942

Original Scarce Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Erich Diestel. Generalleutnant Erich Diestel (8 November 1892, Deutsch Eylau † 3 August 1973, Bad Wiessee) was a career officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. He held several key commands, most notably leading the 346. Infanterie-Division in heavy fighting on the Western Front and later commanding Korps Diestel and Armeeabteilung Kleffel in the final defense of Holland. Captured in May 1945, he remained in captivity until 1947.

Awards & Decorations:

• Deutsches Kreuz in Gold – 2 January 1942 as Oberst und Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 188 / 68. Infanterie-Division

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 10 September 1944: “The 346th Infantry Division under the command of Generalleutnant Diestel has fought outstandingly in the battles in Flanders.”

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 8 October 1944 as Generalleutnant und Kommandeur of the 346. Infanterie-Division, awarded for his division’s performance on the Western Front, particularly during the fighting in Flanders, which also brought him recognition in the Wehrmachtbericht.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Erich Diestel.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Very good, well-preserved.

Collector’s Note:
As commander of the 346. Infanterie-Division, Diestel played a significant role in the fierce battles in Normandy and Flanders in 1944. His Ritterkreuz award was directly linked to his leadership during this campaign, making his autograph an appealing acquisition for collectors of high-ranking Heer commanders of the Western Front.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Werner Ebeling. Oberst Werner Ebeling (11 November 1907 † 16 December 2001) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Oberst during the Second World War. A highly decorated front-line commander of the 58. Infanterie-Division, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership in some of the fiercest battles on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 11 March 1943, as Oberleutnant with Grenadier-Regiment 220.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 April 1944, as Major and Kommandeur of II./Grenadier-Regiment 220, 58. Infanterie-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 799th award) – 5 March 1945, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 154, 58. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served throughout the war in infantry leadership roles, primarily with the 58. Infanterie-Division.

• Earned the German Cross in Gold in 1943 for his distinguished service in combat as a company-grade officer.

• Awarded the Knight’s Cross in April 1944 for outstanding leadership of his battalion during hard-fought engagements on the Eastern Front.

• Received the Oak Leaves in March 1945 as a regimental commander, recognized for his division’s stubborn resistance during the late-war battles against overwhelming Soviet forces.

• Survived the war and lived until 2001, reaching the age of 94.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Oberst Werner Ebeling.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent, with a clear and bold autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Ebeling’s combination of the German Cross in Gold, Knight’s Cross, and Oak Leaves makes his autograph especially attractive for Eastern Front collectors. His long career within the 58. Infanterie-Division gives his grouping of awards and service a strong cohesion and significance.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Martin Unrein. General der Panzertruppen Martin Unrein (1 January 1901, Weimar † 22 January 1972, Karlsruhe) was a German Panzer commander who rose to the rank of General der Panzertruppen during the Second World War. A highly decorated officer, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership of armored formations on the Eastern Front in 1943–44.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 2099th award) – 10 September 1943, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4, 6. Panzer-Division, XXXXVI. Armeekorps, 8. Armee, Heeresgruppe Süd.

  Awarded for his successful leadership of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 during the aftermath of the Battle of Kursk, in particular for the fighting at Alexejevka (19 July 1943) and in the Fourth Battle of Kharkov at Taranovka (23 August 1943). His recommendation also cited his distinguished service during the 1942–43 campaigns, including the successful attack at Sytschevka (5 May 1942).

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub zum Eisernen Kreuz, 544th award) – 26 June 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of the 14. Panzer-Division, III. Armeekorps, 6. Armee, Heeresgruppe Südukraine.

  Recognized for his distinguished command of the 14. Panzer-Division in a series of critical battles: the defensive actions around Ingulez and Adshamka (15 November 1943 – 4 January 1944), the Battle of Kirovograd (5–22 January 1944), the relief efforts and defensive fighting around Cherkassy (23 January – 4 March 1944), and the retreat into Romania (March–May 1944).

Career Highlights:

• Career officer who entered the Reichswehr in the 1920s and specialized in mobile warfare.

• Distinguished himself as a regimental commander in the 6. Panzer-Division, earning the Knight’s Cross in 1943.

• Promoted to Generalmajor, he led the 14. Panzer-Division through grueling defensive campaigns in Ukraine and Romania, recognized with the Oak Leaves in 1944.

• Promoted to General der Panzertruppen, later entrusted with command of the III. (Germanisches) SS-Panzer-Korps in the final battles of 1945.

• Captured at the end of the war and released from captivity before settling in West Germany, where he lived until his death in 1972.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Panzertruppen Martin Unrein.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
As a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and a commander of both Panzer-Divisions and the III. SS-Panzer-Korps, Martin Unrein’s autograph is highly desirable. His battlefield leadership in the Ukraine campaigns of 1943–44 and his high-level command in the final year of the war make this a significant and historically rich addition to any advanced Panzer collection.