Kurt Student – 7. Flieger-Division & XI. Fliegerkorps (Eichenlaub)

Kurt Student (12 May 1890 – 1 July 1978) was a pioneering Luftwaffe general and commander of Germany’s airborne forces (Fallschirmjäger) during the Second World War. A career officer and early advocate of airborne warfare, Student played a leading role in the development and deployment of Germany’s paratrooper arm.

He commanded the 7. Flieger-Division and later the XI. Fliegerkorps, overseeing major airborne operations in the early war years, including the invasions of the Netherlands and Crete.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 14 May 1940, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 7. Flieger-Division.

• Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 21 May 1944, as Generaloberst and Kommandierender General of XI. Fliegerkorps.

• Iron Cross (1914) 1st and 2nd Class and Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939).

• Pilot’s Badge, Fallschirmschützenabzeichen, and additional Luftwaffe decorations.

Item Details

• Original wartime signature of Generaloberst Kurt Student.

• Signed on a period photograph showing him in Luftwaffe uniform.

• Condition: Very good; light age toning with a bold and well-preserved signature.

Collector’s Note

Kurt Student was the founding figure of the German airborne forces and one of the Luftwaffe’s most historically significant commanders. Authentic wartime-signed photographs of Student are scarce and highly sought after, representing an important piece of Fallschirmjäger and Luftwaffe history.