Gerhard Conrad – Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 2 (7. Flieger-Division – May 1940)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Gerhard Conrad. Generalleutnant Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Conrad (21 April 1895, Pregelmühle/Alsleben, Saxony-Anhalt † 28 May 1982, Ruhpolding, Bavaria) was a Luftwaffe officer and engineer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War. He was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership of a transport formation during the Western campaign in 1940.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 24 May 1940, as Oberst and Kommodore of Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 2, 7. Flieger-Division, Luftwaffe.

  Awarded for his leadership and personal bravery during the planning and execution of airborne operations in the West. Conrad’s effective command of his transport formation was instrumental in the success of these air-landing missions.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service during the First World War, later trained as an engineer.

• Rejoined the Luftwaffe, where he applied his technical expertise and leadership skills in command positions.

• As commander of Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 2, played a critical role in supporting airborne operations with transport aircraft in 1940.

• Recognized with the Knight’s Cross for his contributions to the success of the German air-landing missions in the Western campaign.

• Rose to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Luftwaffe before the end of the war.

• Captured and later released from captivity, living in Bavaria until his death in 1982.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Gerhard Conrad.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Gerhard Conrad’s award of the Knight’s Cross for his leadership in early Luftwaffe airborne operations highlights his importance in the development of German air-landing tactics. His autograph is a desirable addition for collectors of Luftwaffe generals, paratroop/airborne operations, and Knight’s Cross recipients.