Wilhelm Nagel – Grenadier-Regiment 353 & 131

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Nagel. Oberst Wilhelm Nagel (12 June 1898, Tübingen/Württemberg † 23 April 1980, Zell im Wiesental/Baden-Württemberg) was a career officer in the German Army who rose to the rank of Oberst during the Second World War. He was decorated with both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership of front-line infantry regiments on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 29 January 1943, as Oberst with Grenadier-Regiment 353.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 12 June 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 131.

Career Highlights:

• Served as an officer of the infantry during the Second World War.

• Commanded Grenadier-Regiment 353, where his leadership in the heavy battles of 1942–43 earned him the German Cross in Gold.

• Later took command of Grenadier-Regiment 131, leading it in combat during the difficult fighting of 1944. His ability to hold together his regiment under extreme conditions brought him the award of the Knight’s Cross on his 46th birthday.

• Continued to serve until the end of the war.

• Survived captivity and lived in Baden-Württemberg until his death in 1980.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Oberst Wilhelm Nagel.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Nagel’s decorations — the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross — reflect his reputation as a capable and battle-proven regimental commander. His signed photograph is a desirable addition for collectors focusing on Eastern Front infantry leadership and decorated Knight’s Cross recipients.