Martin Harlinghausen – X. Fliegerkorps & Fliegerführer Atlantik (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Martin Harlinghausen. Generalmajor Martin Harlinghausen (17 January 1902, Rheda † 22 May 1986, Düsseldorf) was a Luftwaffe officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor and became one of the key figures in German maritime and anti-shipping air operations during the Second World War. He was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his service as Chief of Staff of X. Fliegerkorps, which directed Luftwaffe operations against Allied naval forces.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 4 May 1940, as Major im Generalstab and Chef des Stabes of X. Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe.

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 3 November 1940, cited in the official Wehrmacht communique.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 8th award) – 30 January 1941, as Oberstleutnant im Generalstab and Chef des Stabes of X. Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe.

Career Highlights:

• Entered the Luftwaffe in the 1930s, specializing in planning and operational staff roles.

• As Chief of Staff of X. Fliegerkorps, was heavily involved in the planning and execution of Luftwaffe operations against Allied naval targets in the North Sea, Norway, and the Atlantic approaches.

• Worked closely with Luftwaffe long-range bomber units and naval command to coordinate strikes against convoys and shipping.

• Promoted to Generalmajor, later serving in higher staff and command positions in Luftwaffe maritime operations.

• Captured at the end of the war and released from captivity in the late 1940s.

• Lived in West Germany until his death in 1986.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Martin Harlinghausen.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.