Dietrich Peltz – Sturzkampfgeschwader 77 (Schwertern)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Dietrich Peltz. Generalmajor Dietrich Peltz (6 September 1914, Gießen † 10 August 2001, Munich) was one of the Luftwaffe’s most decorated bomber officers, rising to the rank of Generalmajor and earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Recognized for his aggressive leadership in dive-bomber operations and later as a planner of strategic bombing raids, he became one of the youngest generals in the German armed forces.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 14 October 1940, as Oberleutnant with the Stab of Sturzkampfgeschwader 77.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 53rd award) – 31 December 1941, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur of II./ Sturzkampfgeschwader 77.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves (Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 33rd award) – July 1943, as Oberst im Generalstab and Angriffsführer England.

Career Highlights:

• Distinguished himself as a Stuka pilot and commander in the early campaigns, earning the Knight’s Cross in 1940.

• As Kommandeur of II./StG 77, led his group in intensive dive-bombing operations on the Eastern Front, where his effectiveness was recognized with the Oak Leaves in 1941.

• Later transferred to the Luftwaffe General Staff, becoming Angriffsführer England, tasked with planning and executing bomber raids against Britain in 1943, which earned him the Swords.

• Promoted rapidly due to his ability, he was one of the youngest officers to reach the rank of Generalmajor.

• Survived the war, later living in Munich until his death in 2001.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Dietrich Peltz.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Peltz’s combination of frontline combat command with Stuka units and his later role as a strategic bombing planner make him an especially interesting figure. His awards — the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords — place him among the most highly decorated Luftwaffe officers, making his signed photo a desirable addition for collectors of decorated bomber leaders and high-ranking Luftwaffe personalities.