(1914 - 2005) Third most successful of German U-boat commanders, recipient of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Topp sank the USS REUBEN JAMES before the U.S. entry into the war, sparking a diplomatic fury. S.P. 5 x 7 in. b/w, a reproduction of a vintage image of Topp, boldly signed adding his three commands. WITH: a copy of a letter Topp sent to the son of a crewman aboard the NIBLACK, which rescued the REUBEN JAMES survivors. Topp explains that in the early morning he could not make out the vessel's flag and assumed it was British. He also states that American claim to the western Atlantic was against international law'. Also present is a copy of a clipping he annotated with a note stating that he did not attack the NIBLACK as she was involved in rescue operations. Very good.