Paul “Papa” Hausser – SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer (Schwertern)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Paul “Papa” Hausser. SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer und Generaloberst der Waffen-SS Paul Hausser
(07 October 1880, Brandenburg an der Havel † 21 December 1972, Ludwigsburg), nicknamed “Papa Hausser”, was one of the most senior and influential commanders of the Waffen-SS. A career Prussian officer and veteran of the First World War, Hausser played a pivotal role in shaping the Waffen-SS into an effective military arm. During the Second World War, he rose to the rank of SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer und Generaloberst der Waffen-SS, commanding divisions, corps, and ultimately entire armies on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 8 August 1943, as SS-Gruppenführer und Kommandeur of the SS-Division “Das Reich”.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub) – 28 July 1943, as SS-Obergruppenführer und Kommandierender General of II. SS-Panzer-Korps.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross (Schwerter) – 26 August 1944, as SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer und Oberbefehlshaber of 7. Armee, awarded for his leadership during the Battle of Normandy.

Career Highlights

• First World War: Served as a Prussian officer, heavily decorated for bravery.

• Interwar Period: Retired Reichswehr officer who later joined the SS and became one of its first senior military leaders.

• Commander of SS-Division “Das Reich”: Distinguished himself on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross.

• II. SS-Panzer-Korps: Successfully led Waffen-SS panzer formations in major battles, including Kursk and Kharkov.

• Battle of Normandy (1944): As commander of the 7. Armee, he attempted to stabilize the German front during the Allied invasion of France.

• Postwar Years: Captured and later released, Hausser became the first spokesman of HIAG, the Waffen-SS veterans’ organization, and authored books defending the military record of the Waffen-SS.

Item Details

• Authentic postwar signature of SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer und Generaloberst der Waffen-SS Paul “Papa” Hausser.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Size: Postcard format.

• Condition: As seen.

Collector’s Note

Paul Hausser remains a central and controversial figure in the history of the Waffen-SS. His postwar writings and role in veterans’ advocacy shaped much of the early narrative about the Waffen-SS in Germany. As one of the very few Waffen-SS leaders to reach the rank of Generaloberst, his autograph is a highly desirable addition for collectors focusing on SS high command, Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords recipients, and Normandy campaign memorabilia.