Helmut Kinz – Waffen-Gebirgs-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 13 “Handschar”

Original Scarce Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Helmut Kinz. SS-Sturmbannführer und Major der Schutzpolizei Helmut Kinz (1 December 1915, Nagykanizsa † 19 October 1985, Klagenfurt) was a Waffen-SS and police officer who rose to the rank of SS-Sturmbannführer and Major of the Schutzpolizei during the Second World War. He is best remembered as the last commander of the Waffen-Gebirgs-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 13, the reconnaissance battalion of the 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS “Handschar” (kroatische Nr. 1). For his leadership in the final days of the war, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

Award:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 3 May 1945, as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur of Waffen-Gebirgs-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 13, 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS “Handschar”.

Career Highlights:

• Joined the police and later transferred to the Waffen-SS, advancing steadily through both organizations.

• Appointed commander of the Waffen-Gebirgs-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 13, responsible for reconnaissance and mobile operations within the “Handschar” Division.

• Led his unit during the final chaotic months of the war in the Balkans, where his command performance earned him the Knight’s Cross in May 1945—among the last decorations of its kind awarded.

• Captured at the end of the war and later released.

• Lived in postwar Austria until his death in 1985.

Item Details:

• Authentic scarce postwar signature of SS-Sturmbannführer Helmut Kinz.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

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