A Signed Picture Postcard Of Luftwaffe Ace Joachim Müncheberg

Picture postcard & signature of Oak Leaves & Swords recipient and fighter ace Joachim Müncheberg, measuring 9 x 14 cm; A postcard showing a picture of then Oberleutnant Joachim Müncheberg. It is signed in dark blue, almost black ink. The back of the card identifies the photographer as Photo-Hoffmann, Munich. It also states that reprinting is forbidden: “Nachdruck verboten”.

Footnote: Joachim Müncheberg (1918–1943) was a Luftwaffe fighter ace with more than 500 combat missions. He is credited with 135 confirmed aerial victories, and as such is one of the most successful pilots of the Second World War. Most of his victories were won on the Western front. After #20 during the Battle of Britain, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. After his 43rd victory during the siege of Malta, he was awarded the Oak Leaves. Italy also awarded him the Italian Gold Medal of Military Valor, the highest award for valor of the country. Müncheberg is one of only two Germans to ever receive it. On occasion of his 100th victory in early September 1942, he was awarded the Swords to his Oak Leaves and Knight’s Cross. Holding the rank of Major, he died of wounds after a mid-air collision over Northern Africa at the age of 24.