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Germany III Reich. Document with the autograph signature of Marshal Erwin Rommel.
Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel (1891-1944) was a prominent German field marshal, known as the «Desert Fox» for his outstanding strategic ability on the battlefield. This typewritten document, dated during World War II on February 12, 1942, bears his distinctive signature as Generaloberst und Oberbefehlshaber der Panzerarmee Afrika.
The document consists of two pages (front and back) in German, in which Rommel, then commander of the German Panzer army in Africa, awards the War Merit Cross, 2nd Class with swords to three combatants: an Oberfeldwebel, a Gefreiter, and a Hauptmann, all from 1/Ld. Schtz Batl 278.
The War Merit Cross was a medal awarded with or without swords, depending on the type of service rendered. It was awarded with swords for special service, such as when a soldier had been under enemy fire or had rendered exceptional service. Although the document does not specify the details of the action, it is likely that these medals were awarded as recognition of the soldiers’ merits during the campaign in Cyrenaica, on the eastern coast of Libya, against British forces in November and December 1941, or during the German counteroffensive in January 1942.
Rommel distinguished himself throughout the war, starting with his appointment as Hitler’s escort commander during the annexation of the Sudetenland and later as commander of the 7th Panzer Division in the Battle of France. However, it was during his leadership of the Afrika Korps that he gained worldwide fame for his ability to confront British forces in North Africa. His victories earned him the rank of Field Marshal and the nickname «Desert Fox,» although he was eventually defeated by British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery in 1943.
After his service in Africa, Rommel was posted to Italy and then to France, where he reinforced the German defenses against the imminent Allied invasion of Normandy. He planned a counteroffensive but could not obtain Hitler’s approval to launch it in time.
This document is in good condition, with typical archive holes along the margin, well clear of Rommel’s signature. It is noteworthy that Rommel signed in pencil, a choice he made due to the difficulty of using a fountain pen in the African desert heat.
Original autograph of Marshal Erwin Rommel
