A Press Photo of Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring with Japanese Officer
Photo of Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring with an unknown Japanese officer, 15.6 x 11.4 cm. Condition, extremely fine. A photo of Generalfeldmarschall (Luftwaffe equivalent of Grand Admiral) Albert Kesselring toasting an unknown Japanese officer at a formal dinner. His collar insignia might identify him as a Lieutenant General in the Imperial Japanese Army, however the picture quality is not good enough to be entirely positive. The picture is dated to Feb 10th, 1941 (back). Albert Kesselring (1885–1960) was an accomplished soldier in both WWI and WWII, and became one of the most highly decorated officers, being one of just 27 individuals to be awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. He was also one of the most popular officers in Germany, being nicknamed “Uncle Albert” by his troops. Because of a nervous affection Kesselring wore an almost continuous smile which among Allied soldiers gave him the nickname of “Smiling Albert”.

