Max Lemke – Aufklärungs-Abteilung 17 (last Kdr. of Fallschirm-Panzer-Division “Hermann Göring”)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Max Lemke. Generalmajor Max Lemke (7 April 1895, Schwedt † 29 May 1985, Hannover) was a German officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. He was decorated with both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership of reconnaissance and armored formations, and he later became the final commander of the elite Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1 “Hermann Göring.”

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 18 October 1941, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 17, 17. Infanterie-Division.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 23 June 1942.

Career Highlights:

• A veteran officer of the First World War who continued service in the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht.

• As commander of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 17 in the 17. Infanterie-Division, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross in October 1941 for his successful leadership in the early phases of the war in the East.

• Earned the German Cross in Gold in 1942 for further distinction in combat.

• Rose to command positions within elite formations, becoming the last commander of the Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1 “Hermann Göring” in the final days of the war.

• Taken prisoner on 12 May 1945, released a little over a month later on 18 June 1945.

• After the war, remained active in the Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger (Association of Knight’s Cross Recipients).

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Max Lemke.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Lemke’s combination of the German Cross in Gold, Knight’s Cross, and final command of the “Hermann Göring” Division make his autograph a highly desirable piece for collectors of Wehrmacht leadership and elite unit commanders.