Werner Ranck – X. Armeekorps & 121. Infanterie-Division

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Werner Ranck. Generalmajor Werner Ranck (25 October 1904, Hamburg † 7 December 1989, Hamburg) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. A front-line commander on the Eastern Front, he earned both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 10 February 1944, with X. Armeekorps.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 2 March 1945, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 121. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service in the interwar Reichswehr.

• Rose steadily through the ranks during the Second World War, serving on the Eastern Front.

• Distinguished himself as a staff officer and later as a division commander.

• As commander of the 121. Infanterie-Division, he received the Knight’s Cross for leading his troops in heavy defensive fighting during the final months of the war.

• Promoted to Generalmajor by 1945.

• Survived captivity and returned to Hamburg, where he lived until his death in 1989.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Werner Ranck.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Smaller ID size.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Ranck’s dual decorations — the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross — underline his reputation as a competent and proven commander on the Eastern Front. His autograph is a desirable addition for collectors of late-war Heer division commanders and Knight’s Cross recipients.