Enno von Rintelen – German Military Attaché in Italy (DKIS)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Enno Emil von Rintelen. General der Infanterie Enno von Rintelen (6 November 1891, Stettin † 7 August 1971, Heidelberg) was a German officer whose military career spanned both World Wars. Rising to the rank of General der Infanterie, he is best remembered as the German Military Attaché in Italy and later as the Wehrmacht’s official representative at the Italian Supreme Command, where he played a central role in coordinating military relations between Germany and Italy.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Silver (Deutsches Kreuz in Silber) – for his distinguished diplomatic and organizational service as German Military Attaché in Rome and representative to the Italian High Command.

• Both classes of the Iron Cross (1914), awarded during his service in the First World War.

Career Highlights:

• Entered the Prussian Army in 1910 and served throughout the First World War.

• Remained in the Reichswehr during the interwar period, holding a variety of staff and command roles.

• From 1936 to 1943, served as Military Attaché in Rome, later as German General at Comando Supremo, where he acted as liaison between the Wehrmacht and the Italian armed forces.

• Promoted through the general officer ranks, ultimately reaching General der Infanterie in 1942.

• Retired from active service in late 1944.

• After the war, authored memoirs detailing his time as attaché in Italy, offering a rare perspective on the German-Italian alliance.

• Lived in postwar Germany until his death in 1971.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Infanterie Enno von Rintelen.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.