Stefan Fröhlich – Kampfgeschwader 76 & Fliegerführer Afrika

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Stefan Fröhlich. General der Flieger Stefan Fröhlich (7 October 1889, Orsova † 2 October 1978, Graz) was an Austrian-born officer who transferred to the Luftwaffe after the Anschluss and rose to the rank of General der Flieger during the Second World War. Beginning his career as an engineer officer in the Austro-Hungarian Army, he later trained as a pilot and transitioned into air force service, where he became one of the Luftwaffe’s experienced leaders.

Awards and Decorations:

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 4 July 1940, as Generalmajor und Kommodore of Kampfgeschwader 76.

• Deutsches Kreuz in Gold – 11 May 1942, as Generalleutnant und Fliegerführer Afrika

Career Highlights:

• Prewar: Officer of the Austro-Hungarian Army and later the Austrian Bundesheer, rising to Oberst and commanding air training schools before the Anschluss.

• 1939–1940: Kommodore of Kampfgeschwader 76, leading it in the campaigns in Poland and France, as well as during the early Battle of Britain.

• 1941: Appointed Fliegerführer Afrika, establishing close cooperation with General Rommel and coordinating Luftwaffe support during the North African campaign.

• 1942: Commanded 2. Flieger-Division on the Eastern Front; later promoted to General der Flieger and given command of IX. Fliegerkorps.

• 1943–1945: Commanded Luftgau XVII (Vienna), briefly led Luftwaffenkommando Südost, and finally served as Oberbefehlshaber of Luftflotte 10 in the last weeks of the war.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Flieger Stefan Fröhlich.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent, with a strong, legible autograph.

Collector’s Note:
General der Flieger Stefan Fröhlich stands out as one of the few Austrian officers to reach high rank in the Luftwaffe. Decorated with both the Knight’s Cross and the German Cross in Gold, his leadership spanned the Luftwaffe’s major theaters — from the skies over France to the deserts of North Africa and the Eastern Front. His signature is a desirable addition to any collection of Luftwaffe generals or decorated commanders of the air war.