Signed Photo Postcard of Luftwaffe Fighter Pilot Walter Oesau, Recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords and Spanish Cross in Gold with Diamonds
$295.00
Period signed Portrait Photo of Luftwaffe Field Marshal Albert Kesselring3-1/2 inches y 5-1/2 inches. The reverse bears a handwritten note with a date of 1943. Excellent condition.
Oesau served with the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War and claimed nine aircraft during the campaign, becoming one of only 28 people to earn the award of the Spanish Cross in Gold and Diamonds. At the start of World War II, Oesau was given command of a fighter group within Jagdgeschwader 20. The group took part in the Invasion of Poland, later moving to the Western Front as the redesignated III Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 51. Oesau operated on both the Western and Eastern Fronts. He returned to operations as commander of Jagdgeschwader 1. He was killed in action on 11 May 1944 aged 30. He was credited with 127 aerial victories.