Otto Gemünden – Flak-Regiment 49 (Stalingrad)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Otto Gemünden

Hauptmann Otto Gemünden (30 May 1914 – 8 December 2007) was a Luftwaffe officer and one of the most celebrated German Flak commanders of the Eastern Front. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 12 October 1942 as Wachtmeister und Geschützführer in the 1./Flak-Regiment 49 of the 9. Flak-Division.

Knight’s Cross Action

“Knight’s Cross for Wachtmeister Gemünden – 21 tanks destroyed in 20 minutes: The Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Wachtmeister Gemünden, gun commander in a Flak regiment, at the recommendation of the supreme commander of the Luftwaffe, Reichsmarschall Göring. Wachtmeister Otto Gemünden, born on the 30.05.1914 in Oberingelheim, distinguished himself through outstanding bravery on the 30.09.1942 during the defense against a heavy enemy armoured attack launched against the lines north of Stalingrad. Through skillful tactical acumen, and while fully utilizing the firepower of his gun, he destroyed 21 enemy tanks in just 20 minutes with 35 rounds. Ten of these were of the heavy American type.”

This action, during the ferocious battles around Stalingrad, remains one of the most dramatic examples of the effectiveness of German 8.8 cm Flak guns in the anti-tank role.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Rank at award: Wachtmeister (later Hauptmann)

• Unit: 1./Flak-Regiment 49, 9. Flak-Division

• Award: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 12 October 1942

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Otto Gemünden’s name is inseparably linked with the legend of the 8.8 cm Flak gun, which was feared by Soviet and Allied tank crews alike. His Knight’s Cross citation highlights one of the most spectacular single actions attributed to a German Flak gun crew during the war. Signed items from Gemünden are sought after, particularly by collectors focused on the Battle of Stalingrad, Flak units, and Ritterkreuz recipients.