Description
Johannes Steinhoff was one of the most successful and highly decorated German fighter pilots of WW2, credited with 176 aerial victories during approximately 993 combat sorties. He served with several of the Luftwaffe’s most famous fighter formations, including JG 26, JG 52, and JG 77, and fought in the Battle of Britain, on the Eastern Front, in the Mediterranean, and in the defense of Germany. Steinhoff was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on August 30, 1941, the Oak Leaves on September 2, 1942, and the Swords on July 28, 1944. Late in the war he became one of the experienced fighter aces selected to fly the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter and served with Adolf Galland’s famous Jagdverband 44. He survived the war despite suffering severe burns in a Me262 takeoff accident and later became an important figure in the postwar West German Luftwaffe and NATO.
Made of period printed cardstock, this postcard is in EXCELLENT used condition! There is some very slight age-related yellowing, however there are NO tears, bends, creases, or other notable damage! The front features a striking color portrait of Johannes Steinhoff in Luftwaffe flying gear, with his name printed at the upper left and his original wartime handwritten signature running diagonally across the lower portion of the portrait. The reverse retains its original printed postcard and publisher information and remains unused. The artwork, printing, reverse markings, and autograph remain clear and fully legible. Everything is 100% ORIGINAL, wartime manufacture and wartime signed, making this a VERY NICE autographed example associated with one of the Luftwaffe’s most successful fighter aces and later Me 262 pilots! PERFECT for any collection or display!
