Friedrich-Wilhelm Morzik – Kampfgeschwader z.b.V. 1 (Wartime Signed)

Original Wartime Signature on a Carton Paper with Pasted Article Photo Cut of Friedrich-Wilhelm Morzik. Generalmajor Friedrich-Wilhelm Morzik (10 December 1891 † 17 June 1985) was a Luftwaffe pioneer and transport commander who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. He is best remembered for his role in organizing and leading Luftwaffe air transport operations, most notably the aerial resupply of the Demyansk pocket in early 1942, which became one of the first large-scale airlift operations in military history.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 16 April 1942, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Kampfgeschwader z.b.V. 1, Lufttransportführer Ost.

  Awarded for his major success in planning and overseeing the German aerial resupply operation to the Demyansk pocket. Despite extreme weather and the unprecedented scale of the task, Morzik’s leadership ensured that trapped German forces received sufficient supplies to continue resisting until their relief in spring 1942. Without his efforts, the troops in the pocket would almost certainly have been overrun.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service in World War I and later became an aviation officer in the Luftwaffe.

• An expert in air transport, Morzik commanded Kampfgeschwader z.b.V. 1, one of the Luftwaffe’s dedicated transport wings.

• His successful organization of the Demyansk airlift demonstrated the potential of large-scale air supply operations, though later attempts (e.g., Stalingrad) could not replicate the success.

• Promoted to Generalmajor and continued to serve in Luftwaffe transport and staff roles through the war.

• Survived captivity and lived in West Germany until his death in 1985.

Item Details:

• Authentic wartime signature of Generalmajor Friedrich-Wilhelm Morzik.

• Signed on carton paper with a pasted article photo cut.

• Condition: Very good, with clear signature and period character.

Collector’s Note:
Morzik’s autograph is especially desirable given his central role in the Demyansk airlift, one of the most significant Luftwaffe operations of the war. The fact that this is a wartime signature (as opposed to postwar) greatly enhances its historical and collector value.