Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Max-Josef Pemsel. Generalleutnant Max-Josef Pemsel (15 January 1897, Regensburg † 30 June 1985, Munich) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. A veteran of both World Wars, he distinguished himself as commander of the 6. Gebirgs-Division in northern Finland, where he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross and cited in the Wehrmachtbericht. After the war, Pemsel became a senior officer in the Bundeswehr, serving as NATO commander in Schleswig-Holstein.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 December 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 6. Gebirgs-Division.

  Awarded for his leadership during the rearguard battles of early October 1944, when German forces retreated from northern Finland. Pemsel played a decisive role in enabling major elements of the 20. Gebirgsarmee to escape. Under his command, the Petsamo–Kirkenes road was reopened after heavy fighting, preventing a Soviet encirclement of the 6. Gebirgs-Division and frustrating a pincer attack against XIX. Gebirgs-Armeekorps. His actions earned him not only the Knight’s Cross, but also a commendation in the Wehrmachtbericht of 3 November 1944.

Career Highlights:

• Served as an officer in World War I, later continuing his career in the Reichswehr.

• Developed as a skilled staff officer during the interwar years.

• Commanded the 6. Gebirgs-Division, where he distinguished himself in the demanding Arctic and Finnish theaters.

• Later served as Chief of Staff of the 7. Armee in 1944, overseeing defenses in Normandy during the D-Day invasion.

• Captured in 1945 and released from captivity in 1948.

• Entered the Bundeswehr in 1956, rising to Generalleutnant and serving as NATO’s commander in Schleswig-Holstein until his retirement.

• Lived in Munich until his death in 1985.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Max-Josef Pemsel.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Pemsel’s recognition as commander of the 6. Gebirgs-Division in Finland — including both the Knight’s Cross and a Wehrmachtbericht mention — marks him as one of the notable late-war Gebirgsjäger leaders. His long postwar service as a Bundeswehr and NATO general adds further interest, making his autograph especially appealing to collectors of both WWII mountain troops and Cold War German leadership.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wolf Hagemann. Generalleutnant Wolf Hagemann (23 March 1898, Metz † 15 October 1983, Göttingen) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. He was twice decorated for distinguished leadership in battle, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, Nr. 211) – 4 September 1940, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of III./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139, 3. Gebirgs-Division.

  Awarded for his leadership and bravery in the Battle of Narvik (Norway, 1940), where his battalion played a decisive role in the successful mountain warfare operations against Allied forces.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 484th award) – 4 June 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 336. Infanterie-Division, 17. Armee, Heeresgruppe Südukraine.

  Recognized for his division’s stubborn defensive performance on the Crimean front. On 8 April 1944, his troops repulsed a major Soviet attack against the Siwasch straits. Later, during 5–12 May 1944, he successfully delayed a Soviet breakthrough until the evening of 6 May, a feat of vital importance for the survival of the 17. Armee. The Oak Leaves were personally presented to him by Adolf Hitler on 22 June 1944.

Career Highlights:

• Served as a young officer in World War I, remaining in the Reichswehr after the war.

• Distinguished himself early in World War II with the 3. Gebirgs-Division in Norway, where his leadership at Narvik earned him the Knight’s Cross.

• Later promoted to divisional command, leading the 336. Infanterie-Division in the desperate defensive battles in the Crimea, earning the Oak Leaves for his leadership.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant, continuing to command until the final phases of the war.

• Captured in 1945 and held in captivity before returning to civilian life in West Germany. He lived until 1983.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Wolf Hagemann.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Size: 7,3x10,5cm.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Wolf Hagemann’s dual decorations — the Knight’s Cross for Narvik and the Oak Leaves for his stand in the Crimea — mark him as one of the more notable divisional commanders of the Heer. His autograph is especially desirable for collectors focusing on the Gebirgsjäger and the Eastern Front’s late-war battles.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Georg Graf von Rittberg. Generalleutnant Georg Graf von Rittberg (30 May 1898, Weidenau † 6 June 1973, Wiesbaden) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. A highly regarded divisional commander, he distinguished himself leading the 88. Infanterie-Division on the Eastern Front and was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. He was also twice honored in the official Wehrmachtbericht communiqués for the fighting spirit and toughness of his division.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, 66/8) – 29 January 1942, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Artillerie-Regiment 131.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 2743rd award) – 21 February 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 88. Infanterie-Division, 8. Armee, Heeresgruppe Süd.

  Awarded for his role during the breakout from the Cherkassy pocket, where he commanded part of the rearguard that shielded the flanks and rear of retreating German divisions. Following heavy fighting, he led his own men out by spearheading an energetic attack along the Dshurshenzy–Potschapinzy line.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub zum Eisernen Kreuz, 624th award) – 10 October 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 88. Infanterie-Division, XXXXII. Armeekorps, 4. Panzer-Armee, Heeresgruppe Nordukraine.

  Recognized for his command of the 88. Infanterie-Division during the summer fighting of 1944, particularly in the great Vistula bend. Under his leadership, the division counterattacked south of Opatów and held defensive positions on the northern flank of the Baranów bridgehead against repeated Soviet attacks.

• Wehrmachtbericht Mentions –
  18 July 1944: Commended for toughness in combat on the northern Eastern Front.
  19 August 1944: Cited for unshakeable courage and reckless determination during the defensive battles in the great bend of the Vistula.

Career Highlights:

• Served in World War I, remaining in the Reichswehr throughout the interwar years as an artillery officer.

• Commanded Artillerie-Regiment 131, where his leadership brought him the German Cross in Gold in 1942.

• Promoted to command the 88. Infanterie-Division, gaining the Knight’s Cross at Cherkassy in 1944 and later the Oak Leaves during the Vistula battles.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant, continuing to lead in the final year of the war.

• Survived captivity and lived in Wiesbaden until his death in 1973.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Georg Graf von Rittberg.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Georg Graf von Rittberg’s reputation as a tough divisional commander, his two Wehrmachtbericht mentions, and his award of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves make his signature especially desirable. A scarce and historically significant piece for collectors of Knight’s Cross recipients and Eastern Front commanders.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Paper of Wilhelm Thomas. Generalleutnant Wilhelm Thomas (8 October 1892 † 24 August 1976) was a career officer in the German Army who rose to divisional command during the Second World War. He earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership on the Eastern Front.

Award:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 13 October 1941, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 71, 29. Infanterie-Division (mot.).

Career Highlights:

• Served as a young officer in the First World War and continued his career in the interwar Reichswehr.

• Distinguished himself during the invasion of the Soviet Union as commander of Infanterie-Regiment 71, part of the 29. Infanterie-Division (mot.), earning the Knight’s Cross in October 1941.

• Later promoted to Generalleutnant, commanding multiple infantry divisions on the Eastern Front during the later stages of the war.

• Captured in 1945 and held in Allied captivity before returning to Germany.

• Lived in postwar Germany until his death in 1976.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Wilhelm Thomas.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear autograph, well-preserved.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Franz Schlieper. Generalmajor Franz Schlieper (22 August 1905 † 4 April 1974) was a career officer in the German Army during the Second World War who rose to divisional command. He was decorated with both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his battlefield leadership.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 10 January 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 94, 32. Infanterie-Division (Heer).

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 21 September 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Brigade 1132, Führer of the 73. Infanterie-Division (Heer).

Career Highlights:

• Entered the Reichswehr as a young officer and advanced steadily through the interwar years.

• Distinguished himself as regimental commander with the 32. Infanterie-Division, earning the German Cross in Gold during the heavy fighting on the Eastern Front.

• Promoted to brigade and divisional command, he received the Knight’s Cross in late 1944 for his leadership of Grenadier-Brigade 1132 and acting command of the 73. Infanterie-Division.

• Captured by Soviet forces in May 1945 and held in captivity until 1955.

• Returned to Germany after release and lived there until his death in 1974.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Franz Schlieper.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent preserved example, with clear autograph.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Heun. Generalleutnant Wilhelm Heun (23 May 1895, Herborn † 21 September 1986, Göttingen) was a career officer in the German Army who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. He received both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 23 October 1942, as Oberst and senior commander on the Eastern Front.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 December 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of the 83. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served as an infantry officer in the First World War, remaining in the Reichswehr during the interwar period.

• Fought on the Eastern Front from 1941 onward, where his leadership earned him the German Cross in Gold in 1942.

• Promoted to Generalmajor, and later Generalleutnant, taking command of the 83. Infanterie-Division.

• Awarded the Knight’s Cross in December 1944 for his divisional command during heavy fighting in the final year of the war.

• Captured in 1945 and held as a prisoner of war until his release.

• Lived in postwar Germany until his death in 1986.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Wilhelm Heun.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Erich Schneider. Generalleutnant Erich Schneider (12 August 1894, Schwäbisch Gmünd † 3 August 1980, Crailsheim) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. A veteran of the First World War, he commanded both armored and infantry divisions and was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his battlefield leadership.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 5 May 1943, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of the 4. Panzer-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 6 March 1945, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 14. Infanterie-Division.

  Awarded for his successful command of the 14. Infanterie-Division during the five-day battle west, northwest, and northeast of Ostrolenka. Repeated Soviet onslaughts were repelled, preventing a breakthrough. Schneider’s presence at the front in every difficult moment—despite heavy Soviet fire—allowed him to make sound tactical decisions and set a personal example that inspired his men.

Career Highlights:

• Entered the Army during the First World War and remained in the Reichswehr through the interwar period.

• Commanded the 4. Panzer-Division in 1943, where he earned the Knight’s Cross for his leadership on the Eastern Front.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant, taking command of the 14. Infanterie-Division, where he distinguished himself in defensive battles in 1945.

• His award of the Oak Leaves recognized his leadership in the grueling fighting around Ostrolenka.

• Survived the war, captivity, and lived in postwar Germany until his death in 1980.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Erich Schneider.

• Signed on a postwar photograph, accompanied by a letter, enhancing provenance.

• Condition: Good, with a clear autograph.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Franz Sensfuß. Generalleutnant Franz Sensfuß (15 June 1891, Diedenhofen † 11 January 1976, Bonn) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant and commanded the 212. Infanterie-Division during the Second World War. He was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, recognized for his determined leadership against Soviet forces in 1944–45.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 22 August 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 212. Infanterie-Division (Heer), for repelling numerous Soviet attacks near Szpij, northwest of Lake Narach, in mid-1944.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub zum Eisernen Kreuz, 858th award) – 9 May 1945, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 212. Infanterie-Division (Heer).

Career Highlights:

• Entered service before the First World War and served throughout that conflict.

• Advanced through the Reichswehr in the interwar years and took on key command responsibilities during WWII.

• Distinguished himself in mid-1944 while leading the 212. Infanterie-Division, successfully repelling repeated Soviet attacks near Lake Narach and stabilizing his sector under extreme pressure.

• Remained in command through the collapse of the Eastern Front, receiving the Oak Leaves in the final days of the war.

• Survived captivity and later lived in West Germany until his death in 1976.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Franz Sensfuß.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Gustav Harteneck. General der Kavallerie Gustav Harteneck (27 July 1892, Landau † 13 January 1984, München) was a German cavalry officer who rose to the rank of General der Kavallerie during the Second World War. A career soldier, he commanded the I. Kavallerie-Korps on the Eastern Front and was decorated with 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) – 20 March 1942, as Generalmajor in Armeeoberkommando 2.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 21 September 1944, as General der Kavallerie and Kommandeur of I. Kavallerie-Korps.

Career Highlights:

• Entered the Army before the First World War, serving in cavalry units.

• Continued his career in the interwar Reichswehr, advancing steadily through the officer ranks.

• During World War II, held senior staff and command posts before taking command of the I. Kavallerie-Korps, where he led his corps in defensive operations on the Eastern Front.

• Recognized for his leadership with the Knight’s Cross in 1944.

• Promoted to General der Kavallerie, one of the few to hold this historic cavalry rank in the later war years.

• Survived the conflict and captivity, later living in Munich until his death in 1984.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Kavallerie Gustav Harteneck.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Heinrich Baron von Behr. Generalmajor Heinrich Baron von Behr (26 June 1902, Roennen † 14 August 1983, Bonn) was a decorated German Army officer during the Second World War. Rising to the rank of Generalmajor, he was a two-time recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his battlefield leadership in North Africa and Italy.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 February 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 200, 90. Panzergrenadier-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 January 1945, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 200, 90. Panzergrenadier-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Career officer who rose steadily through the ranks in the interwar Reichswehr.

• Commanded Grenadier-Regiment 200 and later Panzergrenadier-Regiment 200, both of the renowned 90. Panzergrenadier-Division, fighting in the Mediterranean and Italian campaigns.

• His leadership during the tough defensive battles in Italy earned him both the Knight’s Cross and later the Oak Leaves, marking him as one of the division’s most distinguished commanders.

• Promoted to Generalmajor before the end of the war.

• Survived captivity and lived in postwar Germany until his death in 1983.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Heinrich Baron von Behr.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Postcardsize.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.