Germany. A Post War Signed Photograph Of Ss-Oberführer Karl Ullrich, Wiking Division (Kc W/Oak Leaves)

Measuring 101x149mm, near mint condition. It shows Ullrich in the rank of SS-Sturmbannführer. He signed the reverse in black ink.

Footnote: Karl Ullrich was born on December 1, 1910 in Saargemünd (present-day Sarreguemines, eastern France). He joined the NSDAP in 1931 and the SS in 1932. In 1934 he was appointed to the 3rd Sturm of the 1st SS-Standarte in the SS-VT, serving as Unterführer (lower leader). In 1935 Ullrich was chosen to attend the SS Junker School in Brunswick. Afterwards, in early 1936, he became a Platoon Leader in the SS-Pioniersturmbann in Dresden. In 1937 he was promoted to SS-Obersturmführer and made Chief of the 3rd Sturm of the SS-Pioniersturmbann. Ullrich took part in the Polish and French campaign with this unit in the rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on May 18 and 1st Class on July 1, 1940. He went on to serve on the staff of the unit. Between June of 1941 and June of 1942 Ullrich was in command of the Pionier Battalion of the SS Death’s Head Division and received his promotion to SS-Sturmbannführer in November of 1941. He received the Knight’s Cross on February 19, 1942 for his role in the Battle of the Demyansk Pocket. In July of 1942 he became Corps Pionier Leader. He fought in the Third Battle of Kharkov. In March of 1943 Ullrich was appointed Commander of the 3rd Battalion of SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 5. In November 1943 he took command of the SS Panzer Grenadier 6 “Theodor Eicke”. For his leadership role, especially during Operation Citadel, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on May 14, 1944 in the rank of SS-Obersturmbannführer. Ullrich went on to become the last Commander of the 5th SS Panzer Division “Wiking” in October 1944. On April 20, 1945 he was promoted to SS-Oberführer. After the war he spent three years as a prisoner of the US forces. Ullrich died on May 8, 1996.