Friedrich August Freiherr von der Heydte – Carentan & Operation Stösser

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Friedrich August Freiherr von der Heydte. Oberst Friedrich August Freiherr von der Heydte (30 March 1907, München † 7 July 1994, Aham) was a German paratroop officer of the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, rising to the rank of Oberst. He earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership of Fallschirmjäger units in some of the most famous airborne and defensive operations of the war.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 21 August 1940, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur of IV./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 8 February 1945, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 6.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service before the outbreak of WWII, joining the elite Fallschirmjäger arm of the Luftwaffe.

• Commanded IV./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 during the early airborne operations of 1940, where his leadership earned him the Knight’s Cross.

• Fought in multiple theaters including Crete, Italy, and Normandy, gaining a reputation as one of the most experienced paratroop commanders.

• In December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, he led Operation Stösser, the last major German airborne operation of the war.

• Awarded the Oak Leaves in 1945 for his leadership of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 6 during these late-war battles.

• After the war, became a respected law professor, politician (CSU), and author, writing extensively on military, political, and legal issues.

• Lived until 1994, making him one of the longest-lived Oak Leaves recipients.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Oberst Friedrich August Freiherr von der Heydte.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Von der Heydte is among the most recognized Fallschirmjäger leaders of the Second World War. His association with Operation Stösser and his long, active postwar career as an academic and politician make his autograph especially significant. Highly desirable for collectors of elite airborne units, Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves recipients, and Luftwaffe ground commanders.