Leon Degrelle – 28. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzer-Grenadier-Division “Wallonië”

SS-Standartenführer Leon Degrelle (15 June 1906, Bouillon † 31 March 1994, Málaga) was the Belgian leader of the Rexist Movement and one of the most famous foreign volunteers to serve in the Waffen-SS during the Second World War. He rose from enlisted service to command the Walloon volunteers on the Eastern Front, eventually leading the 28. SS-Freiwilligen-Grenadier-Division “Wallonien.”

Degrelle distinguished himself in heavy fighting against Soviet forces, receiving some of the highest decorations awarded to non-German volunteers. He survived the war, escaping to Spain where he lived in exile until his death in 1994.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 20 February 1944, as SS-Hauptsturmführer and Führer of 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade “Wallonien.”

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub) – 27 August 1944, as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur of 28. SS-Freiwilligen-Grenadier-Division “Wallonien.”

• Close Combat Clasp in Gold (Nahkampfspange in Gold) – 14 September 1944.

• Additional decorations included the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class and Infantry Assault Badge.

Item Details

• Authentic scarce postwar signature of Leon Degrelle.

• Signed on a large format postwar photo

• Condition: As seen – scarce and collectible.

Collector’s Note

Leon Degrelle remains one of the most controversial and well-known foreign volunteers of the Waffen-SS. His rise from volunteer soldier to divisional commander, along with his postwar exile and continued notoriety, makes his autograph especially rare and sought-after. This large-format signed photo is an exceptional piece for advanced collectors of Waffen-SS history, foreign volunteer units, and Knight’s Cross recipients.