Rudolf Freiherr von Roman – 35. Infanterie-Division & XX. Armeekorps (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Rudolf Freiherr von Roman. General der Artillerie Rudolf Freiherr von Roman (19 November 1893, Bayreuth † 18 February 1970, Schernau-Dettelbach, Bavaria) was a veteran of both world wars who rose to the rank of General der Artillerie in the Wehrmacht. A highly decorated commander, he earned the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership of infantry and corps formations on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, award 33/21) – 19 December 1941, as Generalmajor and Artillerie-Kommandeur 3

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 877th award) – 19 February 1942, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 35. Infanterie-Division, V. Armeekorps, 4. Panzer-Armee, Heeresgruppe Mitte

  Awarded for his personal leadership during the defense of Gorki on 13 December 1941, where his forces repelled repeated Soviet attacks—including those of 10 tanks—destroyed 5, and enabled the safe withdrawal of German units and artillery. His stand secured the German retreat to new defensive positions.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 308th award) – 28 October 1943, as General der Artillerie and Kommandierender General of XX. Armeekorps, 2. Armee, Heeresgruppe Mitte

  Recognized for his distinguished command of XX. Armeekorps during the heavy defensive battles around Gomel in September 1943.

Career Highlights:

• Entered the Bavarian Army in 1912 and served in the 6. Feld-Artillerie-Regiment during WWI.

• Continued service in the Reichswehr and later the Wehrmacht, rising steadily through artillery and staff positions.

• Commanded Artillerie-Regiment 10 and Artillerie-Regiment 17 before becoming Kommandeur of 35. Infanterie-Division in late 1941.

• From 1942–45, served as Kommandierender General of XX. Armeekorps, leading it through the brutal retreats and defensive battles on the Eastern Front.

• Promoted to General der Artillerie in 1942.

• Captured in 1945, released after the war, and lived in Bavaria until his death in 1970.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Artillerie Rudolf Freiherr von Roman.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Von Roman’s signature is highly desirable for collectors of Eastern Front commanders and high-ranking artillery officers. His award of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for actions at Gorki and Gomel highlights his role in some of the most critical defensive battles of the war.