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Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Herbert Ihlefeld. Oberst Herbert Ihlefeld
(1 June 1914 † 8 August 1995) was one of the Luftwaffe’s most successful fighter aces and a highly decorated officer. Serving with Jagdgeschwader 77 “Herz As”, he quickly distinguished himself as a front-line pilot and commander. Over the course of his wartime career, he achieved at least 122 confirmed aerial victories, making him one of the leading Experten of the Luftwaffe.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 13 September 1940, as Oberleutnant and Flugzeugführer, 1./JG 77 “Herz As”.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub) – 27 June 1941, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur of I./JG 77 “Herz As”.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 9 April 1942.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross (Schwerter) – 24 April 1942, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur of I./JG 77 “Herz As”.

Career Highlights

• Began his career as a fighter pilot with Jagdgeschwader 77, quickly rising to become a Gruppenkommandeur.

• Distinguished himself during the Battle of Britain and in the Balkans and Eastern Front campaigns.

• By 1942, he had been awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, marking him as one of the Luftwaffe’s elite aces.

• Credited with at least 122 aerial victories across multiple theaters of war.

• Rose to the rank of Oberst, later holding senior command positions in the Luftwaffe.

Item Details

• Original wartime signature of Oberst Herbert Ihlefeld.

• Signed on a wartime postcard.

• Condition: Excellent, clear period autograph.

Collector’s Note

Herbert Ihlefeld stands among the great names of Luftwaffe fighter history, his career spanning the early victories of 1940 through the brutal campaigns of the East. With over 120 aerial victories and the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern, his autograph remains a highly desirable piece for collectors of Luftwaffe aces and decorated fighter leaders.