Franz Ketterl – Infanterie-Regiment 438 (132. Infanterie-Division) (Wartime Signed)

Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Franz Ketterl. Oberleutnant Franz Ketterl
(21 March 1898 – 27 July 1979) was a German Army officer who served on the Eastern Front during the Second World War. As company commander of 1./Infanterie-Regiment 438, 132. Infanterie-Division, he distinguished himself in heavy winter fighting and received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on 12 January 1942 for his leadership and bravery.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 12 January 1942, as Oberleutnant and Chef of 1./Infanterie-Regiment 438, 132. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights

• Served in the 132. Infanterie-Division, which fought extensively on the Eastern Front from 1941 onward.

• As company commander of 1./Infanterie-Regiment 438, Ketterl played a key role in the division’s bitter engagements during the early stages of the Soviet campaign.

• Awarded the Ritterkreuz for his personal bravery and leadership in combat during the severe winter fighting of 1941/42.

• Survived the war and lived until 1979.

Item Details

• Authentic wartime signature of Oberleutnant Franz Ketterl.

• Signed on a wartime postcard.

• Condition: Largely faded, as seen.

Collector’s Note

Franz Ketterl represents the many front-line company commanders who bore the brunt of the brutal Eastern Front battles. His award of the Knight’s Cross in early 1942, during the desperate winter fighting, reflects the importance of small-unit leadership at a critical time in the German campaign. A rare and historically significant autograph for collectors of Ritterkreuz recipients and Eastern Front memorabilia.