Günther Rall – Jagdgeschwader 52 (Schwertern, 275 Victories!)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Rall. Major Günther Rall (10 March 1918 † 4 October 2009) was one of the most successful fighter aces in history, serving with Jagdgeschwader 52 on the Eastern Front and rising to the rank of Major during the Second World War. With 275 confirmed aerial victories, he remains the third highest-scoring fighter ace of all time.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 15 December 1941, as Oberleutnant with 8./Jagdgeschwader 52.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 4 September 1942, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of 8./Jagdgeschwader 52, after 65 aerial victories.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 122nd award) – 26 October 1942, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of 8./Jagdgeschwader 52 (over 100 victories).

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves (Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 37th award) – 12 September 1943, as Hauptmann and Kommodore of III./Jagdgeschwader 52, credited with 200 aerial victories.

Career Highlights:

• Joined the Luftwaffe in the late 1930s, flying in France and the Battle of Britain before transferring to the Eastern Front.

• Achieved the bulk of his 275 victories against Soviet aircraft, making him one of the most formidable aces of the Eastern Front.

• Severely wounded in combat several times, yet returned to flying and command duties after each recovery.

• By 1943, as Kommodore of III./JG 52, he led some of the Luftwaffe’s top aces.

• Postwar, Rall joined the Bundesluftwaffe, rising to the rank of General and later serving as NATO’s Chief of the German Air Force Command Staff.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Major Günther Rall.

• Signed on a postcard-sized postwar photograph.

Collector’s Note:
Günther Rall’s autograph is one of the most sought-after among aviation collectors due to his incredible record of 275 victories and his high decorations up to the Schwerter. His postwar service in the Bundeswehr and NATO further adds to his significance, making this large-format signed photograph an exceptional piece for any serious collection of Luftwaffe or fighter ace memorabilia.