Alfred Zerbel – Ausbildungsabteilung / Generalstab des Heeres (DKIS)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Zerbel. Generalleutnant Alfred Zerbel (8 September 1904, Ostritz, Saxony † 15 December 1987, Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht and later became one of the most senior officers in the Bundeswehr, where he served as Inspector of the Army (Inspekteur des Heeres) from 1960 to 1964.

Awards and Decorations:

• Deutsches Kreuz in Silber (German Cross in Silver) – 8 February 1945, as Oberst i.G. with the Ausbildungsabteilung / Generalstab des Heeres.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service during the Reichswehr era, later joining the General Staff.

• During WWII, he held important staff positions, particularly in training and planning within the General Staff of the Heer.

• Awarded the German Cross in Silver in 1945 for his distinguished service in high-level staff duties.

• After the war, he was held in captivity before returning to civilian life.

• In 1956, joined the newly created Bundeswehr, rapidly rising through the ranks.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant and appointed Inspector of the Army (Inspekteur des Heeres) in 1960, the highest professional post in the West German Army.

• Retired from service in 1964, living in Bonn until his death in 1987.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Alfred Zerbel.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Alfred Zerbel is historically significant as both a decorated Wehrmacht General Staff officer (German Cross in Silver) and as Inspector of the Army in the Bundeswehr, effectively the highest-ranking soldier in the West German Army during his tenure. His autograph bridges the Wehrmacht and NATO eras, making it highly desirable for collectors interested in continuity between WWII and Cold War German military leadership.