Walter Krüger – 1. Panzer-Division (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Krüger. General der Panzertruppe Walter Krüger (23 March 1892, Zeitz † 22 October 1973, Baden-Baden) was a highly decorated German Panzer commander who rose to the rank of General der Panzertruppe during the Second World War. Known for his leadership of the 1. Panzer-Division, he was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, the German Cross in Gold, and several other awards for battlefield distinction.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 350th award) – 15 July 1941, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 1. Schützen-Brigade, 1. Panzer-Division (mot), XXXXI. Armeekorps, Panzergruppe 4, Heeresgruppe Nord.

  Awarded for his brigade’s role in the opening weeks of Operation Barbarossa, particularly the tank battle of Rossieni–Vosiliskis (23–25 June 1941), the capture of Jakobstadt (28 June 1941), and Ostrow (4 July 1941).

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, award 170/3) – 27 August 1942, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 1. Panzer-Division.

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 14 December 1943, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 1. Panzer-Division.

  The division, alongside the 68. Infanterie-Division, was officially commended for its performance in combat operations.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 377th award) – 24 January 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 1. Panzer-Division, XXXXVIII. Panzerkorps, 4. Panzer-Armee, Heeresgruppe Süd.

  Awarded for distinguished leadership during the fighting around Zhitomir in late 1943, and especially for the clearing of the western bank of the Teterew River northeast of the city.

Career Highlights:

• Veteran of the First World War, continuing his career in the Reichswehr and then the Panzerwaffe.

• Took command of 1. Schützen-Brigade, leading from the front in the 1941 campaign in the Soviet Union.

• Elevated to divisional command of the 1. Panzer-Division, guiding it through numerous critical operations on the Eastern Front from 1942–44.

• Decorated with both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves, recognized as one of Germany’s most capable armored division commanders.

• Promoted to General der Panzertruppe before the end of the war.

• Captured in 1945 and later released, living quietly in Baden-Baden until his death in 1973.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Panzertruppe Walter Krüger.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Walter Krüger’s reputation as commander of the famous 1. Panzer-Division, combined with his dual awards of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and the German Cross in Gold, make his autograph highly sought after. His leadership in some of the most significant armored battles of the Eastern Front makes this a cornerstone piece for Panzer collectors.