German Generals and Heroes Cards

1940 W. Willrich color PPC Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstadt. "Karl Rudolf Gerd von Rundstedt (12 December 1875 – 24 February 1953) was a German field marshal in the Heer (Army) of Nazi Germany during World War II. Born into a Prussian family with a long military tradition, Rundstedt entered the Prussian Army in 1892. During World War I, he served mainly as a staff officer. In the inter-war years, he continued his military career, reaching the rank of Colonel General (Generaloberst) before retiring in 1938. He was recalled at the beginning of World War II as commander of Army Group South in the invasion of Poland. He commanded Army Group A during the Battle of France, and requested the Halt Order during the Battle of Dunkirk. He was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in 1940. In the invasion of the Soviet Union, he commanded Army Group South, responsible for the largest encirclement in history, the Battle of Kiev. He was relieved of command in December 1941 after authorizing the withdrawal from Rostov, but was recalled in 1942 and appointed Commander-in-Chief in the West. He was dismissed after the German defeat in Normandy in July 1944, but was again recalled as Commander-in-Chief in the West in September, holding this post until his final dismissal by Adolf Hitler in March 1945. Though aware of the various plots to depose Hitler, Rundstedt neither supported nor reported them. After the war, he was charged with war crimes, but did not face trial due to his age and poor health. He was released in 1949, and died in 1953."

W. Willrich PPC Major Walter Koch, paratrooper commander. "Walter Koch (10 September 1910 – 23 October 1943) was a commander of the Fallschirmjäger during World War II who died in mysterious circumstances after openly criticizing Adolf Hitler. Koch, who was the recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions during the Battle of Fort Eben-Emael in May 1940, had publicly denounced the Führer's infamous Commando Order, which ordered that all captured enemy commandos were to be executed. Shortly afterwards the Oberstleutnant and commander of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 5 died in Berlin from injuries allegedly resulting from a motor vehicle collision." Credit Wikipedia.

1940 W. Willrich color PPC of a Luftwaffe squadron commander. Card translates to: Our Luftwaffe. Leader of a succsssful hunter (fighter) squadron.

W. Willrich color PPC Luftwaffe squadron commander Oberleutnant Steinhoff.

1941 W. Willrich color PPC Regimental Commander. Card Reads, Manner der Westfront.

Wilrich Color Propaganda card featuring General Edwin Rommel, historic panzer commander. 1940 color card reads: Generalmajor Rommel, Kommandeur einer Panzer-Division. Couple light age spots on reverse.

1940 W. Willrich Scout Trooper Portrait in Snow Uniform, color PPC. Card has creases not visible in photo.<br>

Color propaganda card featuring U-Boat commander Günther Prien. Prien was the first U-boat commander to receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. His submarine U-47 was credited with sinking over 30 Allied ships totalling about 200,000 tons, along with the British battleship HMS Royal Oak at anchor in the Home Fleet's anchorage in Scapa Flow. <br>

W. Willrich color PPC U-Boat Commander Herbert Schultze. "Schultze (1909–1987) commissioned U-48 in 1939. He took command of the 3rd U-boat Flotilla in July 1941, then joined the staff of Marinegruppe Nord in March 1942. In December 1942 he was assigned to the staff of Admiral Karl Dönitz. In March 1944 he was assigned to Naval Academy Mürwik, where he remained until the end of the war. In 1956 Schultze joined the Bundesmarine and served in a series of staff positions until 1968." Credit Wikipedia. Card has acouple small ink marks on front and a number in ink on the back.&nbsp; <br>

Early WWII W. Willrich color PPC showing drawing of a U-boat watch commander.

1938 Portrait PPC of Count von Zeppelin in full military uniform. Card issued for the 1938 Zeppelin exhibit and show in Konstanz Germany. Portrait is from a painting by von Emerich. Card reads, Zeppelinpost Ausstellung. Anlasslich des 100 geburtstages des Grafen Zeppelin vom 8 bis 12 Juli 1937 in seinem geburtsort. Konstanz a. Bodensee. Excellent quality card. Special cancel for exhibit and visit of the trial-flight visit of the new Graf Zeppelin II built to replace the Hindenburg. Various cancels issued for event. Cancel and stamp may vary. Top Quality!<br>

1939 W. Willrich drawing of a student youth leader from Romania. Used. Backside has more writing. Sent to Castle Lamberg in the German area of the Sudetengau.

Color propaganda card featuring U-Boat commander Günther Prien. Prien was the first U-boat commander to receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. His submarine U-47 was credited with sinking over 30 Allied ships totalling about 200,000 tons, along with the British battleship HMS Royal Oak at anchor in the Home Fleet's anchorage in Scapa Flow on Oct. 14, 1939. Used card in great condition, mailed in 1941.

1940 W. Willrich Scout Trooper Portrait in Snow Uniform, color PPC. Card is used with Vienna 1941 cancel and message on reverse.