Wilhelm Bleckwenn – Grenadier-Regiment 487 (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Bleckwenn. Generalmajor Wilhelm Bleckwenn (21 October 1906 † 10 May 1989) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. A front-line regimental commander, he earned both the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross and later the Oak Leaves for his leadership of Grenadier-Regiment 487 of the 267. Infanterie-Division.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 6 April 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 487, 267. Infanterie-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 638th award) – 18 October 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 487, 267. Infanterie-Division.

Oak Leaves Citation:
Following the collapse of Heeresgruppe Mitte during Operation Bagration, Oberst Bleckwenn and a small Kampfgruppe under his command managed to break through to East Prussia after 44 days of continuous fighting through the Belorussian forests. In one of the most notable actions of this retreat, on the night of 4/5 August 1944, Bleckwenn led his men across the Memel river south of Druschkiniki, overcoming torrential currents and enemy resistance. For this remarkable achievement of leadership and perseverance, he was awarded the Oak Leaves.

Career Highlights:

• Career officer who served in both the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht.

• Commanded Grenadier-Regiment 487 with distinction on the Eastern Front.

• Decorated with the Knight’s Cross in April 1944 for earlier combat leadership.

• Survived the war, later attaining the rank of Generalmajor.

• Lived until 1989, passing away at the age of 82.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Wilhelm Bleckwenn.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Good, with a clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Bleckwenn’s Oak Leaves citation highlights one of the most dramatic survival and retreat stories of 1944. His leadership during the collapse of Heeresgruppe Mitte and his regiment’s epic retreat into East Prussia makes his signature a highly desirable piece for Eastern Front collectors.