Autographed Postcard of Generalleutnant Krafft von Dellmensingen - Winner of the Pour le Mérite and Oak Leaves - Prussia - Grand Cross of the Military Order Max Joseph - Bavaria

Generalleutnant Konrad Krafft von Dellmensingen (1862-1953) was a notable Bavarian officer in the Imperial German Army. His military career was marked by a series of distinguished positions, both on staff and in the field. Born in Bavaria, he served as the Chief of the Bavarian General Staff from 1912-1914. At the outbreak of World War I, he was assigned to the newly created Alpenkorps, an elite mountain unit that included notable figures such as Hauptmann (later Generalfeldmarschall) Erwin Rommel, who received the Orden Pour le Mérite under Krafft's command.

Krafft von Dellmensingen held various staff functions, including serving in Armee Gruppe Albrecht of Württemberg, where he received a high-ranking decoration from the Kingdom of Württemberg. His final role in WWI was commanding the II. Bavarian Armeekorps with the rank of General der Artillerie. Throughout his career, he was highly decorated by multiple German states. Among his most prestigious awards were the Orden Pour le Mérite in September 1916 and the Oak Leaves in December 1916. Despite political tensions between Bavaria and Prussia, Krafft von Dellmensingen also received the Grand Cross of the Military Order Max Joseph from Bavaria in October 1917, the highest Bavarian military honor.

This postcard, Nr 5697 from NPG, captures Krafft von Dellmensingen standing with arms crossed, sword at his side. His name and rank of Generalleutnant are inscribed at the top, with his signature in black ink scrawled across the bottom of his tunic. Particularly notable in this photograph is his wearing of the Grand Cross of the Military Order Max Joseph, an exceptional feature seldom seen in other photographs. The postcard, which has not been mailed but has an address on the reverse likely from a collector, is in excellent condition.

• Historical Relevance: Chief of Bavarian General Staff, Commander of Alpenkorps, Commander of II. Bavarian Armeekorps
• Awards: Orden Pour le Mérite (1916), Oak Leaves (1916), Grand Cross of the Military Order Max Joseph (1917)
• Appearance: Full uniform with numerous decorations
• Condition: Excellent, never mailed

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External Links:

• Interactive WWI Simulation Game: https://store.steampowered.com/app/312980/Verdun/
• Strategic WWI Game: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1109080/Strategic_Command_WWI/
• Historical Role-playing Game: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1280770/Field_of_Glory_II_Medieval/

Cultural Connection: Krafft von Dellmensingen's leadership and decorated career are often depicted in military history and strategy games, offering enthusiasts a tangible link to the past. His role in commanding elite units and receiving top military honors highlights the complexities and achievements of WWI leadership.

Condition Notes: The postcard is in excellent condition with a bold signature, providing a valuable addition to any collection of WWI memorabilia. The presence of the Grand Cross of the Military Order Max Joseph makes this item particularly rare and significant.