Otto Lasch – Infanterie-Regiment 43 & 349. Infanterie-Division (Festung Königsberg)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Otto Lasch. General der Infanterie Otto Lasch (25 June 1893, Pleß † 29 April 1971, Bonn) was a career officer in the German Army who rose to the rank of General der Infanterie during the Second World War. A highly decorated front-line commander, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership of infantry divisions on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 17 July 1941, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 43, 1. Infanterie-Division.

  During the opening phase of Operation Barbarossa, Lasch commanded advanced detachments tasked with capturing Riga. By driving his men forward with speed and determination, he broke into the city as planned on 1 July 1941, paving the way for German reinforcements to secure the eastern districts. His decisive actions contributed greatly to the success of 18. Armee and earned him the Knight’s Cross.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 578th award) – 10 September 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 349. Infanterie-Division.

  Recognized for his leadership of the division during the Lemberg–Brody battles of July 1944. After being surrounded with his division and Korpsabteilung C, Lasch led a breakout on 21–22 July, seizing key heights and villages near Jasionowce and Zalesie. When Soviet forces encircled them again the following day, he again organized a breakout, enabling elements of his command to escape despite heavy losses.

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 12 April 1945.

Career Highlights:

• Joined the Prussian Army in 1912 and fought in World War I.

• Rose through the ranks during the interwar years, commanding the Infanterie-Regiment 43 at the start of Operation Barbarossa.

• Distinguished himself in the capture of Riga (1941) and in the defensive fighting of Lemberg/Brody (1944).

• Promoted to General der Infanterie.

• In April 1945, he was appointed Commandant of Königsberg, tasked with defending the city during its final siege.

• After the city’s capitulation, he was captured by the Soviets and spent years in captivity before being released in 1953.

• Died in Bonn in 1971.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Infanterie Otto Lasch.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Smaller size.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Otto Lasch is best remembered as the commander of Königsberg’s final defense, but his earlier awards — the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and his Wehrmachtbericht mention — highlight a career of front-line leadership. His autograph is a historically significant addition for collectors of Eastern Front and high-command Heer memorabilia.