Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Franz Reuss. Generalmajor Franz Reuss (17 April 1904, Augsburg † 5 June 1992, Munich) was a Luftwaffe officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. Initially serving in the Bavarian Landespolizei, he transferred to the Luftwaffe where he held several key staff and command positions, ultimately leading the 4. Flieger-Division. He distinguished himself in both operational planning and divisional command, earning high decorations including the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.
Awards and Decorations:
-
German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 21 August 1942, as Oberstleutnant im Generalstab, Stab IV. Fliegerkorps.
-
Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 18 July 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 4. Flieger-Division.
Career Highlights:
-
Began his military career in 1920 with the 1. Bayerisches Schützen-Regiment before joining the Bavarian Landespolizei.
-
Transferred into the Wehrmacht in 1935, serving as a squadron leader with Reiter-Regiment 18.
-
Completed General Staff training at the Heeres-Kriegsakademie in Berlin, later switching to the Luftwaffe.
-
Served as Staffelkapitän in Kampfgeschwader 53 and later as Kommandeur of III./Kampfgeschwader 76 during the early years of the war.
-
Worked extensively in Luftwaffe staff roles, including as Ia with IV. Fliegerkorps and later as Chief of Staff of II. Luftwaffen-Feldkorps.
-
Took command of the 4. Flieger-Division in 1944, where his leadership earned him the Knight’s Cross.
-
Captured by Allied forces in April 1945, remaining in captivity until January 1947.
-
Lived in Munich until his death in 1992.
Item Details:
-
Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Franz Reuss.
-
Signed on a postwar photograph.
-
Condition: Very good, clear autograph.
Collector’s Note:
Franz Reuss’s dual career as both a staff officer and divisional commander highlights the adaptability and experience of senior Luftwaffe leadership. His Knight’s Cross award as commander of the 4. Flieger-Division in 1944, combined with his earlier German Cross in Gold, places him among the decorated mid-level Luftwaffe generals of the war. This signed photograph is a fine addition to any collection focusing on Luftwaffe leadership and Knight’s Cross recipients.
