Johannes Steinhoff Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
JOHANNES STEINHOFF
Born: September 13, 1913 in Bottendorf, Province of Saxony, Prussia, Germany
Died: February 21, 1994 in Wachtberg-Pech, Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany
Johannes Steinhoff was born on September 15, 1913, in Bottendorf, Thuringia, Germany, and was a prominent German Luftwaffe officer and later a NATO general. Steinhoff is best known for his achievements as a fighter pilot during World War II and his significant contributions to post-war German military aviation.
Steinhoff joined the Luftwaffe in 1935. During World War II, he flew over 900 combat missions, primarily on the Eastern Front, the Western Front, and in the Mediterranean theater. He achieved 176 confirmed aerial victories, making him one of the war's leading aces. His combat prowess earned him numerous decorations, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. One of Steinhoff's most memorable achievements was surviving a severe crash in April 1945, when his Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter exploded during takeoff. He suffered extensive burns and injuries, this incident marked the end of his active combat career.
After World War II, Steinhoff played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) within the newly formed Bundeswehr. In 1952, he joined the Bundesluftwaffe and quickly rose through the ranks. He became Inspector of the Air Force from 1966 to 1970, significantly shaping the development and modernization of Germany's post-war air force. In addition to his military career in Germany, Steinhoff made significant contributions to NATO. From 1971 to 1974, he served as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, playing a key role in fostering cooperation and coordination among NATO member states during the Cold War. Steinhoff authored several books on his wartime experiences and military aviation, providing valuable insights into the history of the Luftwaffe and the development of modern air forces.
Steinhoff joined the Luftwaffe in 1935. During World War II, he flew over 900 combat missions, primarily on the Eastern Front, the Western Front, and in the Mediterranean theater. He achieved 176 confirmed aerial victories, making him one of the war's leading aces. His combat prowess earned him numerous decorations, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. One of Steinhoff's most memorable achievements was surviving a severe crash in April 1945, when his Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter exploded during takeoff. He suffered extensive burns and injuries, this incident marked the end of his active combat career.
After World War II, Steinhoff played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) within the newly formed Bundeswehr. In 1952, he joined the Bundesluftwaffe and quickly rose through the ranks. He became Inspector of the Air Force from 1966 to 1970, significantly shaping the development and modernization of Germany's post-war air force. In addition to his military career in Germany, Steinhoff made significant contributions to NATO. From 1971 to 1974, he served as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, playing a key role in fostering cooperation and coordination among NATO member states during the Cold War. Steinhoff authored several books on his wartime experiences and military aviation, providing valuable insights into the history of the Luftwaffe and the development of modern air forces.
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JOHANNES STEINHOFF - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 74860Commemorative Envelope signed: "J. Steinhoff/Kmdre J.G.77/1943", "Karl Kessel,/Kdre.Kg2/1943-44", "Waldemar Plewig/Kdr II, Stuka 77/1944", "Heinz Nacke/Kdr der/Haifischer" and "F Johannes Fink/Kdr K.G.2, 1938-1940", 6½x4¼.Price: $300.00
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WOLFGANG FALCK - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 74867Commemorative Envelope signed: "J. Steinhoff", "Wolfgang Falck", "Stefan Litiens" and "Adolf Glunz", 6½x4½. Two British stamps affixed, pictorially postmarked British Forces Postal Service, July 13, 1971, 30th Anniversary of Introducing of Mosquito into RAF service.
Price: $240.00
