Günther Blumentritt – Heeresgruppe D & 25. Armee (Normandy, Netherlands)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Blumentritt. General der Infanterie Günther Blumentritt (10 February 1892 † 12 October 1967) was a career officer who rose to the rank of General der Infanterie in the Wehrmacht. Highly regarded as a staff officer and strategist, he played a major role in the planning and execution of Germany’s campaigns in Poland, France, and later the defense of Western Europe.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 13 September 1944, as General der Infanterie and Chef des Generalstabes of Heeresgruppe D.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 772nd award) – 18 February 1945, as General der Infanterie and Führer of the 25. Armee.

Career Highlights:

• Served in the First World War and remained in the Reichswehr during the interwar years.

• As a staff officer, Blumentritt was heavily involved in operational planning. He was instrumental in devising the 1939 invasion of Poland and the 1940 campaign in France.

• Took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, in 1941.

• Later, as Chief of Staff of Heeresgruppe D, he bore significant responsibility for the planning and organization of the Atlantic Wall and the defense of Normandy.

• In early 1945, given command of the 25. Armee, for which he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross.

• After the war, he was held in captivity, later released, and lived in West Germany until his death in 1967.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Infanterie Günther Blumentritt.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Good, with clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Blumentritt is especially collectible due to his dual reputation as both a Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves holder and one of the Wehrmacht’s key strategic planners. His role in the invasions of Poland and France, as well as in preparing the Atlantic Wall defenses, makes his signed material particularly desirable for collectors focused on the high command of the Western Front.