{"title":"HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS SALE","description":"\u003cp\u003eBROWSE THROUGH OUR HIGHLY DISCOUNTED HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS!\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"wwi-propaganda-flyer","title":"WWI Propaganda Flyer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWWI Propaganda Flyer-This measures 12 ½” by 9 ¾” and is folded down the center. It is dated September 9, 1914. The script reads, in French, “Headquarters of the German Armies, Maubeuge is taken, 40,000 prisoners, 400 pieces of artillery, printed and posted in Saint Die by order of the German Military Authority, September 9, 1914.” Maubeuge is on the French\/Belgian border. There is a large fortress that was constructed after the War of 1870 that was besieged in WWI by the German Empire. The town suffered heavy damage during bombing raids in WWII and the when the US 1\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Infantry Division came through on its way to Belgium. An interesting item! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45188487414066,"sku":"D-103a","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW1_French_Propaganda_Leaflet_24758.jpg?v=1683645114"},{"product_id":"seven-document-grouping-for-member-of-panzer-jager-unit-1","title":"Seven Document Grouping for Member of Panzer Jäger Unit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeven Document Grouping for Member of Panzer Jäger Unit-All seven of these award documents were given to Hans Eggerstedt who was a member of 1.\/ Panzer Jäger Abteilung 240 and 2.\/ Panzer Jäger Abteilung 30. These documents tell us that he had promotions from Gefreiter to Obergefreiten to Unteroffizier. The documents included are as follows:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEKII on 7.12.41\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Assault Badge on 15.7.42\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Wound Badge on 20.9.42\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKrim Shield on 16.2.43\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriver Qualification Badge in Bronze on 20.6.43\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSilver Wound Badge on 6.8.44\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriver Qualification Badge in Silver on 2.9.44\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe document for the Krim Shield has an auto pen signature of Generalfeldmarschal von Manstein. The EKII document and the General Assault document are signed by generals. Thanks to Tom, our research guru, we can now state the following:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis guy, Hans Eggerstedt was a member of 1.\/Pz.Jg.Abt 240 and then 2.\/Pz.Jg.Abt 30 from sometime after 20 June 1943. Pz.Jg.Abt 30 was part of 30. Infanterie Division which got caught in Kurland, East Prussia.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Sadly the Volksbund lists a Hans Gerhard EGGERSTEDT as MIA in Ostpreussen (East Prussia) from 01.01.1945, could be the same person.  All documents are in fine condition! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45189821268274,"sku":"D-109a","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Award_Document_Panzer_28310_e16ea86a-0f52-4ec6-b901-541df852ebc8.jpg?v=1683663703"},{"product_id":"formal-promotion-document-from-reichsbahn-directorate","title":"Formal Promotion Document from Reichsbahn Directorate","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFormal Promotion Document from Reichsbahn Directorate-This is a late war, March 1945 dated promotion document for Peter Reimer. This document notes his promotion from Bahnshofsschaffner to Oberbahnshofsschaffner. It is dated March 1, 1945, obviously very late. It is signed at the bottom “for the National Transport Minister, the President of the National Railway Directorate. I am not sure who the signed was. This bi fold formal document measures 14” by 10” and has an embossed national eagle at the bottom left. The recipient, Peter Reimer, survived the war and later co-authored a book on the National Railway System under Hitler. Very interesting! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48037866373426,"sku":"D-150","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/Formal_Promotion_Document_Riechsbahn_9461.jpg?v=1710879518"},{"product_id":"collection-of-letters-of-congratulations-on-birth-of-edda-goring","title":"Collection of Letters of Congratulations on Birth of Edda Göring","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCollection of Letters of Congratulations on Birth of Edda Göring-This grouping starts with two formal greeting cards wishing “congratulations on your happy event”. One is dated 1946. There is a really great letter from Reichsminister of Justice Dr. Franz Gürtner. It is congratulating Göring on the birth of his daughter (Edda of course) and the date is June 2, 1938, her exact date of birth. There is a note that is dated 1944 but it is entirely in Sutterlin script and I am having trouble translating it. UPDATE!! A friend has translated this for us. He mentions that it is from a female \"fan\" of Hermann Goring a \"Jungmädel\". She congratulates him on his birthday. The 44 is not a year as we mention in our description but it is the age of Hermann Goring at the time. The document reads as follows:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eGERMAN:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Lieber Fuhrer!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eIch gratuliere dir zu deinen 44 geburtstage recht\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eherzlich. Und wünsche dass du noch lange fur\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eDeutschland streiten konnst.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eMeine wünsche dass du fur Deutschland noch plane hattest,\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003ewie sehr wie freuen.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuch wird dein geburtstag in Falkensteinn gefeiert.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn Ellefeld und Falkensteinn wird auch geflaggt.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eMit gruss Jungmädel\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eChristinn Petzolot\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eENGLISH:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Dear leader!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eI want to congratulate you with your 44th birthday.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnd I hope you can fight for Germany for a long time.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eI wish that you still have plans for Germany,\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003ehow much we would like that.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eYour birthday will also be celebrated in Falkensteinn.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eThere is also a flag raised in Ellefeld and Falkensteinn.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eWith regards, Jungmädel\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eChristinn Petzolot\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eHere is another translation.....\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt is from the family of Göring who congratulate Hermann Goring with the birth of his daughter Edda.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eGerman:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlpen, den 3.6.1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLieber Onkel Göring.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMutti hat uns eben erzählt, daß Du jetzt auch ein Pappi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egeworden bist und da haben wir uns alle sehr gefreut.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWir gratulieren dir und der Mutter von der kleinen Edda recht herzlich.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnser Mieke ist nicht mehr so klein wie auf dem Bild, sie kann schön sitzen und laut lachen.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIch bin jetzt zu den Punpfen gekommen, eine bant haben\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewir schon gemacht, er war sehr schön.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWir haben jetzt urlaub hier.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViele Grüße an tante Göring und die kleine Edda.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMit Deutschen Grüß\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGerd, Fritz, Dieter, Erika, Mieke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCann...Pina?????\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlpen Nr.\/Moerb (Mörbisch ???)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLindenallee nr. 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eEnglish:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlps, June 3, 1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDear Uncle Göring.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMom just told us that you are now a daddy too\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eand we were all very happy about that.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe warmly congratulate you and little Edda's mother.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Mieke is no longer as small as in the picture, she can sit nicely and laugh loudly.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI've now picked some flowers, we already made a floral band, it was very nice.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe're on vacation here now.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMany greetings to Aunt Göring and little Edda.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWith German greetings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGerd, Fritz, Dieter, Erika, Mieke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCann...Pina??????\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlpen Nr.\/Moerb (Mörbisch ???)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLindenallee no. 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd one final one....\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt is clear that this letter is from a \"fan\".\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGerman:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeipzig, den 4.6.38\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e??? ????, L.S3 Gliseestrasse 148\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiebe Mütti Göring!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWir gratulieren, der Vati, die Mütti,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003evon Bruder Peter der Arbeitsdienstmann in ??? , mein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ezwillingsbruder ????? und ich.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIch habe mich schrecklich gefreut über die kleine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdda. Ich hätte ein große Bruder, Ronn,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eich zür ????? ????? stehen. Hoffentlich geht\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ees Ihnen und der kleinen Edda gut.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIch würde mich sehr freuen, wenn ich einen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ezusagenden Bescheid erhielt und mit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003edie herzlichen grussen.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeil Hitler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIhr ????   ?????\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(I.M. Fuhrerin. 15 jahre alt)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDie linke bin ich und die andere ist eine kameraderin von mir.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeipzig, June 4, 1938\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e??? ????, L.S3 Gliseestrasse 148\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDear Mommy Göring!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe congratulate the dad, the mom,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003efrom my brother Peter who is a \"Arbeitsdienstmann\" in ????, my\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etwin brother ????? and me.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI was very happy about the birth of the little Edda.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI had a big brother, Ronn,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI go to ?????? ?????? stand.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI hope you and the little Edda are fine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI would be very happy if I got a message back with the best wishes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeil Hitler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour ????   ??????\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(I.M. Fuhrerin. 15 years old)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe one on the left is me and the other is a friend of mine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eThanks for the translations Alex!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe knew it had to be something important as it was saved despite being just a simple piece of paper and pencil. The next item is a letter of congratulations from the mayor of Aachen, Pfingsten dated 1938 and sending along their well wishes to “Heer Ministerpräsident” on the birth of their little daughter Edda. This is on letterhead with the coat of arms of the city at the top. One letter has a newspaper clipping of Emmy and Hermann on their wedding day. The letter is actually a poem (initials E.B. at the end) followed by congratulations on the birth of Edda. This is signed on the back by Erna Berndt. Also included is sheet music, two pages in length. The composer is also Erna (Krause) Berndt and the song title is “Wir sind vom Stamm der Cherusker” or “We are from the Cherusci Tribe”. The Cherusci were a tribal group in ancient Germania which lived in the area on both sides of the upper We He and lived in what is now East Westphalia-Lippe and in Lower Saxony up to the Elbe. There are two more letters of congratulation as well with small pictures attached. Since the Göring family received over 650,000 (!) letters of congratulations, these must be special to have been saved. A one-of-a-kind grouping!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48663833313586,"sku":"D-030","price":625.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/RD_050724_0040.jpg?v=1715787600"},{"product_id":"1943-national-ski-jump-contest-gold-medal-award-and-document","title":"1943 National Ski Jump Contest Gold Medal Award and Document","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e1943 National Ski Jump Contest Gold Medal Award and Document-This document measures 8 ¾” by 6 ¾”. It is housed in a bi fold mottled cream pressed cardboard cassette which has a marbled finish and a red binding. The obverse cover has a screened gilt eagle with the Hitler Youth diamond inside the wreath. The inside left has a document that identifies the winner as Harald Schlegelmilch. The date is January 17, 1943 and it was held at Ardstadt. It is signed by the HJ district leader and has a stamp on the bottom left. This was for a ski jump that was part of the event. The right side has the actual “medal”, a steel gilt finished rendering of an eagle similar to the one on the cover. The exception is the wreath is around the eagle as opposed to inside its talons. There is minor warping to the cassette but this is in otherwise fine condition. Extremely RARE!! \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48663860707634,"sku":"D-001","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/RD_050724_0060_a220823e-a378-44db-b559-eb90e73ca4c8.jpg?v=1715788042"},{"product_id":"1940-40-year-service-award-letter-and-cased-document","title":"1940 40-Year Service Award Letter and Cased Document","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e1940 40-Year Service Award Letter and Cased Document-This is a document dated August 6, 1940 to the secretary of the Launderer’s and Pressing Society in acknowledgement of her long and faithful service. Her name is Frau Martha Kahler. The cassette is a red and gilt covered pressed hardboard with the commendation letter from the president of the society mounted to the inside front cover. The bi fold document is retained by a red elasticized cord. The letter is written on society letterhead with the signature of the president. Additionally, there is a newspaper clipping, dated 1951, noting 50 years of service! The document has a large gilt eagle on the left side with a signature of the union president featured on the main document. This cassette measures 9“ by 12 ½”. Excellent! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49217078329650,"sku":"D-034","price":900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/RD_072324_2596.jpg?v=1724431106"},{"product_id":"large-army-document-grouping-for-panther-tank-crew-member","title":"Large Army Document Grouping for Panther Tank Crew Member","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLarge Army Document Grouping for Panther Tank Crew Member-This huge grouping has a total of 17 documents (some booklets), including the Wehrstammbuch, army health book, Wehrpass photo, five army documents verifying his participation and completion of training as a Panther MK V tank crew member, army glasses order form, Prufungsergehnis (proof that he passed the tank drivers license), two miscellaneous army documents and five medical documents. The soldiers name is Josef Maierhofer. He was born on March 25, 1902 so he was clearly an older guy during the war period. The latest date on a document is August 3, 1944. This is a tremendous grouping that would be a fantastic research opportunity!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49218062352690,"sku":"D-045","price":875.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/RD_072324_2674.jpg?v=1724436541"},{"product_id":"rare-grouping-of-6-german-anti-allies-propaganda-booklets","title":"Rare Grouping of 6 German Anti Allies Propaganda Booklets","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eRare Grouping of 6 German Anti Allies Propaganda Booklets-Each of these measure 6” by 4 ½”. It is a set of six, each one is individually numbered. Each of these show “happy” Allied POW’s in German prisoner of war camps. Each talks about how well they are being treated and what a “grand” time they are having. Extremely interesting and rare! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49498117603634,"sku":"D-047","price":400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/RD_100424_9482.jpg?v=1730834547"},{"product_id":"otto-meissner-stationery","title":"Otto Meissner Stationery","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eOtto Meissner Stationery-This is stationery that would have been from the office of Otto Meissner. On 1 December 1937, Meissner was promoted to Minister of State (Staatsminister) and Chief of the renamed, \"Presidential Chancellery of the Führer and Chancellor\". He was granted status equal in rank to a Reichsminister, but without the title. The stationery is off white and measures 8 ¼” by 11 ½”. We have a few of these and the one you will receive will be as good as or better than the one shown. Great condition! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50221721125170,"sku":"D-038","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_Stationary_Reich_Kanzler_Berlin_9824.jpg?v=1752580443"},{"product_id":"third-reich-era-photo-document-lot-for-member-of-confectionery-trade","title":"Third Reich era Photo\/Document Lot for Member of Confectionery Trade","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eThird Reich era Photo\/Document Lot for Member of Confectionery Trade-Now here is a very different and interesting lot. The name of the man was Rolf Schümann. The first item to note is a document folder that contains his apprenticeship certificate and examination certificate. This is a very formal piece with the DAF motto as well as the logo for the Reich Guild Association of the Confectionery Trade. There are seven small black and white photos of Rolf’s time in the RAD plus a larger one of a gent, presumably his father, in his Luftwaffe uniform. There is an 8 page document dated July 6, 1935 from the city of Cologne Chamber of Crafts which is basically his certificate of graduation, it says “apprentice register”. There are two “report cards” as well as a handful of medical cards as well. This is a unique and interesting grouping that would be a fun research project! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50358871753010,"sku":"D-016","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_DAF_Luftwaffe_Photo_Document_Group_13082.jpg?v=1755794624"},{"product_id":"brixental-austria-equestrian-show-program","title":"Brixental (Austria) Equestrian Show Program","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eBrixental (Austria) Equestrian Show Program-This is a fantastic, bi fold document with hand painted imagery on the front cover of a horse and rider along with the Austrian coat of arms. The show featured a progression of the Gauleiters in the region where the show was held. This was Brixental which is a valley in the Tyroilean region of Austria. The inside is signed by Kreisleiter Merath and the document is dated 27 June 1943. It measures 8 ¼” by 11” and is on a light card stock. Minor wear but very beautiful! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50627713892658,"sku":"D-029","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Equestrian_Show_Gauleiters_amphlet_18028_4d0e5157-2cca-4217-bf3c-d7dfa5859818.jpg?v=1763151211"},{"product_id":"police-8-year-long-service-document","title":"Police 8 Year Long Service Document","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003ePolice 8 Year Long Service Document-This is a large format example awarded to Revier-Oberwachtmeister der Schutzpolizei Karl Momberger. It is for the 8 year faithful service medal and it was awarded on 28 June 1941. It has an auto pen signature of Otto Meissner who was head of the Office of the President of Germany from 1920 to 1945 during nearly the entire period of the Weimar Republic under Friedrich Ebert and Paul von Hindenburg and, finally, under the political government under Adolf Hitler. There is an embossed eagle on the lower left. There are punch holes from being filed. There are a few small creases etc. Good condition! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635144167730,"sku":"D-031","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Document_Police_4_Year_Service_18112.jpg?v=1763389143"},{"product_id":"paratrooper-document-grouping-to-feldwebel-erich-vietor","title":"Paratrooper Document Grouping to Feldwebel Erich Vietor","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eParatrooper Document Grouping to Feldwebel Erich Vietor-This grouping consists of the following: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Second-issue Soldbuch (Paybook and Personal ID) issued on 30 September 1942 by the 1. Flieger-Betriebs-Kompanie (1st Flight Operations Company) of Kampfgruppe 126 (Bomber Group 126, which operated Heinkel 111s), with which he served from 29 February 1940 to 9 January 1943. On 10 January 1943, this unit was renamed as the 119. Flieger-Betriebs-Kompanie (11th Flight Operations Company; Vietor served with this unit through 25 January 1944; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Preliminary document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen in Stoff (Paratrooper Badge in Cloth). Because the Luftwaffe was in dire need of frontline troops, Vietor was ordered to the Hauptuntersuchungsstelle of the Generalkommando des XI. Fliegerkorps (Central Examination Center of the XI Air Corps), arriving at this unit on 26 January 1944. Vietor was examined and determined to be fit to be a paratrooper. On 11 April 1944, he was assigned to the 3.\/Fallschirmschule I (3d Company of Paratrooper School II) in Wittstock. From 12 April to 2 May 1944, Vietor took part in the paratrooper training course there, and having passed the course, was permitted to wear the Paratrooper Badge in Cloth;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Fallschirmschützenschein (Paratrooper License). From 10 May 1944 to 21 February 1945, Vietor was assigned to two paratrooper artillery battalions. On 20 August 1944, Vietor received his oilcloth Fallschirmschützenschein from Fallschirm-Artillerie-Ersatz-Abteilung (Paratrooper Artillery Replacement Battalion) of the Fallschirm A.O.K. (Paratrooper Amy High Command). On 22 February 1945, Vietor was finally posted to a field unit, that is, the Headquarters Battery of Fallschirm-Artillerie-Regiment 11 (Paratrooper Artillery Regiment 11) of the 11. Fallschirmjäger-Division (11 Paratrooper Division). He was quickly reassigned to Headquarters Battery of Fallschirm-Artillerie-Regiment 10 (Paratrooper Artillery Regiment 10) of the 10. Fallschirmjäger-Division (10* Paratrooper Division) on 28 March 1945; this division fought in Austria and Moravia and surrendered to the Russians in May 1945. On 12 June 1945, Vietor was assigned to the 2a Company of the lInd Battalion of Regiment 27 (Schludelmann), whose postwar role is undetermined. An entry in Vitor's Soldbuch, shows that he received the Führergeschenk (Hitler's Gift Package for Soldiers' on Leave) on 21 November 1943. 4) Rare, late-war award document for the Fallschirmschützen-Abzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) dated 1 October 1944 issued by the Paratrooper Army High Command signed by Generalmajor Walter Barenthin (German Cross in Gold); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e5) Postwar service record summary dated 30 May 1945 listing all of Vietor's wartime units. Since Vietor retained these documents after the war, he erased the swastikas from them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049939665202,"sku":"D-201","price":900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_Soldbuch_27003.jpg?v=1775680812"},{"product_id":"paratrooper-document-grouping-to-gefreiter-private-first-class-wilhelm-reida","title":"Paratrooper Document Grouping to Gefreiter (Private First Class) Wilhelm Reida","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eParatrooper Document Grouping to Gefreiter (Private First Class) Wilhelm Reida-Includes the following documents: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) 14 July 1942 dated document showing that Reida registered at the Police Headquarters of Gelsenkirchen, allowing for the creation of his military service record; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Reichsarbeitsdienst (National Labor Service), or RAD, discharge certificate dated 16 June 1943 stating that he served in the Labor Service from 28 January to 16 June 1943. Reida served with RAD-Abteilung 7\/162 (RAD Battalion 7\/162) in Bösingfeld in the municipality of Lippe; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) small document showing that Reida was examined for his fitness to become a flying personnel member on 19 August 1943. He was found unfit to be a paratrooper due to his weight (apparently, he was underweight or overweight);\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e4) preliminary document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen in Stoff (Paratrooper Badge in Cloth) issued on 13 March 1944 at Fallschirmschule I (Paratrooper School I) in Dreux, France (this school was formed in Dreux from Fallschirmschule; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4). Document is signed by Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) Walter Primus, the commander of the school; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e5) award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) dated 15 May 1944, having a facsimile signature of Generaloberst Bruno Loerzer (Pour le Mérite and Knight's Cross). Reida obviously reached the weight requirement to become a paratrooper, either losing weight or gaining it;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e6) award document dated 14 September 1944 for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for suffering a wound on 21 August 1944. Fortunately, Reida's Feldpostnummer (Military Mail Number) appears on the document, that is, L 49014, which was assigned to Fallschirm-Nachrichten-Abteilung 12 (Paratrooper Signal Battalion); 12), which was part of the Il. Fallschirmkorps (lInd Paratrooper Corps), which was engaged in Normandy, including St. Lô. The document is signed by an Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant) who served as the temporary commander of the battalion; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e7) typed career summary covering Reida's service from 28 January 1943 through the end of the war. Document lists the exact locations of Reida's deployments from 29 March 1944, and reveals that he was wounded in St. Lô on 21 August 1944 - 20+ locations are noted. His unit surrendered in Brekendorf in Schleswig-Holstein, and Reida subsequently was interned as a POW in Friedrichskoog near Warne; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e8) small document dated 11 June 1945 giving his POW unit assignment; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e9) document dated 10 July 1945 regarding soap issuance while serving with the 3rd Company of Battalion 406 b;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e10) small document written in pencil by Reida covering his POW captivity from 10 July 1945 to 22 July 1945 (it appears Reida was released on this date). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049942122802,"sku":"D-202","price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27018.jpg?v=1775680892"},{"product_id":"iron-cross-2nd-and-1st-class-award-documents-to-fallschirmjager-oberjager-peter-bammes","title":"Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class Award Documents to Fallschirmjäger-Oberjäger Peter Bammes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eIron Cross 2nd and 1st Class Award Documents to Fallschirmjäger-Oberjäger Peter Bammes was a paratrooper who fought in Normandy and was killed there on 31 July 1944. The Iron Cross 2nd Class document was issued to Bammes on 14 July 1943 and shows that he was assigned to the Headquarters of the IlIrd Battalion of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 4, with which he fought in Russia as part of the 7. Flieger-Division (7th Airborne Division). The document is signed by Generalmajor Richard Heidrich, the commander of the division (Heidrich was awarded the Knight's Cross on 14 June 1941, the German Cross in Gold on 31 March 1942, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross on 5 February 1944, and the Swords to the Knight's Cross on 25 March 1944). The Iron Cross 1st Class document is a more ornate version than general issue and was awarded posthumously on 1 September 1944. It reveals that Oberjäger Bammes was serving with the IlIrd Battalion of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 15, which was engaged at Normandy west of St. Lô in July 1944, and placed under the command of the 353. Infanterie-Division (353rd Infantry Division). The document is signed by Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) Kurt Gröschke, the divisional commander of the 5. Fallschirmjäger-Division (5th Paratrooper Division). Includes photocopies of the losses of the IlIrd Battalion, specifically the 12th Company, of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 15 from the Bundesarchiv (National Archives) in Freiburg, Germany, in which Bammes is named. The information shows that Bammes was a machine gunner and was killed on 31 July 1944 in Haute Chèvre near Torigny-sur-Vire during the heavy fighting in St. Lô, France.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049943728434,"sku":"D-203","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27026.jpg?v=1775680982"},{"product_id":"documents-and-photos-to-obergefreiter-heinz-gropengiesser","title":"Documents and Photos to Obergefreiter Heinz Gropengiesser","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDocuments and Photos to Obergefreiter Heinz Gropengiesser-Gropengiessen was a paratrooper who fought during Unternehmen Merkur (Operation Mercury), the German airborne invasion of Crete.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe grouping includes the following: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) seven photos of Gropengiesser, three of which show him wearing the ribbon for the Iron Cross 2nd Class, the Iron Cross 1st Class, and the Paratrooper Badge; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) large, early award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) dated 12 November 1940. The document has a facsimile signature of Generalleutnant Gustav Kastner-Kirdorf (awarded the German Cross in Gold on 21 April 1943; committed suicide in Berchtesgaden on 4 May 1945); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) dated 19 June 1942. The document reveals that Gropengiesser was a member of the 2.\/Fallschirm-Artillerie-Regiment 1 (2nd Company of Paratrooper Artillery Regiment 1), part of the 7. Flieger-Division (7h Airborne Division), and was wounded on 9 May 1942 in Russia. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Award document for the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Ground Combat Badge of the Air Force) dated 1 October 1942 (this is a very early date for this award). The document reveals that Gropengiesser was serving with the 1st Battalion (likely still with the 2nd Company) of Fallschirm-Artillerie-Regiment 1. The document is signed by Generalmajor Richard Heidrich, the Commander of the 7. Flieger-Division. Heidrich was awarded the Knight's Cross on 14 June 1941, the German Cross in Gold on 31 March 1942, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross on 5 February 1944, and the Swords to the Knight's Cross on 25 March 1944;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e5) award document for Die Medalle Winterschlacht im Osten 1941\/42 (Medal for the Winter Battle in the East 1941\/42), also known as the Ostmedaille (East [Campaign] Medal). The document is signed by a Hauptmann (Captain), and stamped with Gropengiesser's unit stamp, Feldpostnummer (Military Mail Number) 34305 (Fallschirm-Artillerie-Regiment 1); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e6) Award document for the Ärmelband (Crete Cuff Title) issued to Obergefreiter Heinz Gropengiesser on 20 May 1943, exactly two years after the German airborne invasion of Crete. The document reveals that Gropengiesser was then serving with the 10.\/Fallschirm-Artillerie-Regiment 1(10th Company of Paratrooper Artillery Regiment 1). The document has a facsimile signature of General Kurt Student, the Commanding General of the XI. Fliegerkorps (XI Air Corps). Student was awarded the Knight's Cross on 12 May 1940 and the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross On 27 September 1943. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049945628978,"sku":"D-204","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_Kreta_27030.jpg?v=1775681072"},{"product_id":"documents-and-photo-to-paratrooper-feldwebel-sergeant-friedhelm-judt","title":"Documents and Photo to Paratrooper Feldwebel (Sergeant) Friedhelm Judt","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDocuments and Photo to Paratrooper Feldwebel (Sergeant) Friedhelm Judt-The grouping includes the following: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Award document for the Flakkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Anti-Aircraft Badge of the Air Force) issued on 23 March 1943 and signed by the Commander of the 16. Flakdivision (16th Anti-Aircraft Division), Generalmajor Rudolf Eibenstein, a German Cross in Gold recipient. The document reveals that Judt was assigned to the 2.\/leichte Flakabteilung 765 (2nd Battery of Light Anti-Aircraft Battalion 765), which was stationed in Boulogne, France; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) issued in Berlin on 26 May 1943. Document has a facsimile signature of Generaloberst Bruno Loerzer (Pour le Mérite and Knight's Cross recipient); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) issued in Alzev and dated 20 January 1944. This document reveals that Judt was a member of the 14.\/Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 7(14\" Company of Paratrooper Regiment 7), which was part of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division (2nd Paratrooper Division). Judt was wounded on Christmas Day, 25 December 1943, when his unit was fighting in Russia. The document is signed by the Chefarzt (Chief Medical Doctor) of the Reserve Hospital in Alzey; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Ornate award document for the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Ground Combat Badge of the Air Force) dated 29 June 1944. The document reveals Judt was still assigned to Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 7 of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division. The document is signed by the renowned Generaleutnant Bernhard Ramcke, who at that time, commanded the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division. Ramcke was a recipient of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. A lot of information concerning Ramcke, who was captured in Brest, France, in September 1944, can be found on the internet. This is an exceptional document with a strong and very clear Ramcke signature. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e5) award document dated 8 January 1945 for the I. Stufe der Nahkampfspange (1st Grade of the Close Combat Clasp), which was awarded for participating in 15 days of close combat. This document reveals that Judt was not in Brest at the time of the surrender of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division; thus, sometime after June 1944, Judt was reassigned to the 2.\/Falschirm-Ersatz-und-Ausbildungs-Regiment \"Hermann Göring,\" which was based in Utrecht, Holland. Judt's close combat days were most likely engagements he participated in with Fallschirmjager-Regiment 7. The document is signed by a Major, who was the regimental commander of the 2.\/Fallschirm-Ersatz-und-Ausbildungs-Regiment \"Hermann Göring\"; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e6) small, but clear, photo of Judt on leave, showing him with two females (a girlfriend and a sister?). The photo shows Judt wearing all the badges for which he received the above-mentioned award documents. The reverse is marked Tangerhütte 1945. Tangerhütte, Germany, is most likely Judt's hometown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049947791666,"sku":"D-205","price":1350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27036.jpg?v=1775681163"},{"product_id":"exceptional-paratrooper-document-grouping-to-gefreiter-wilhelm-preute","title":"Exceptional Paratrooper Document Grouping to Gefreiter Wilhelm Preute","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eExceptional Paratrooper Document Grouping to Gefreiter Wilhelm Preute-Preute was a paratrooper who participated in the 1940 Holland jump! The grouping consists of the following: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Large award document issued to Preute in Berlin on 7 September 1938; document is signed by Oberst (Colonel) Karl Barlen (German Cross in Gold Recipient); when Barlen signed the document, he was a Section Chief in the Personnel Office of the Air Ministry (RLM); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Award document for die Medaille zur Erinnerung den 1. Oktober 1938 mit Spange (Medal in Remembrance of 1 October 1938 with Clasp), commonly known as the Sudetenland Medal. Document was issued on 20 June 1939 and is signed by Oberstleutant von Grazy, the Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e3) Large award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) issued to Prete in Munster in July 1940. As a member of the 1st Company of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 2, Preute jumped in Holland on 10 May 1940 (along with the 2nd and 4th Companies of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 2, the 1st Company was deployed to take control of the Ypenburg and Valkenburg Airfields near den Haag). The document is signed by Hauptmann Hans Kroh, the battalion commander of the 1st Battalion of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 2 (Kroh was a recipient of the Knight's Cross, Oak Leaves, and Swords, as well as the German Cross in Gold). Kroh was one of the most renowned paratrooper commanders; much information about him can be found on the internet; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) issued to Prete in den Haag on 26 May 1940, just six days after the Holland jump. The document is signed by Generalmajor Karl Putzier, the Deputy Commander of the 7 Air Division (German Cross in Silver Recipient); 5) Award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st Class) issued to Preute in den Haag on 26 May 1940. This document is also signed by Generalmajor Karl Putzier; it's interesting to note that both Iron Cross documents were issued on the same day, demonstrating his exceptional performance on 10 May 1940;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e6) Large award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold (Wound Badge in Gold) issued to Preute in the Luftwaffe hospital in Berlin on 26 August 1940. The document is signed by Dr. Hans Kitzler-Kosch, the Chief Medical Doctor of the hospital. The fact that Preute was awarded the Wound Badge in Gold shows that he was heavily wounded during the 10 May 1940 jump in Holland. This wound most likely caused severe injury, likely leading to an amputation, taking Preute out of the war. Documents for paratroopers who jumped in Holland on 10 May 1940 are extremely rare and sought after. A rare opportunity to acquire a remarkable document grouping for a paratrooper who fought with extreme bravery and was heavily wounded during one of the most notable paratrooper jumps of the Second World War. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049954509106,"sku":"D-207","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27051.jpg?v=1775681353"},{"product_id":"desirable-paratrooper-document-grouping-of-knights-cross-recipient-and-hermann-goring-division-member-unteroffizier-heinrich-heinz-probst","title":"Desirable Paratrooper Document Grouping of Knight's Cross Recipient and Hermann Göring Division Member Unteroffizier Heinrich \"Heinz\" Probst","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDesirable Paratrooper Document Grouping of Knight's Cross Recipient and Hermann Göring Division Member Unteroffizier Heinrich \"Heinz\" Probst-The grouping consists of the following: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Field-made award document for the Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) issued to Probst on 11 November 1943. The document reveals that Probst was then a Panzer-Grenadier (Armored Infantryman) with the 6.\/Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 (6th Company of Armored Infantry Regiment 1 \"Hermann Göring\"). The document is signed by the Stellvertretender-Kommandeur (Deputy Commander) of the Division Hermann Göring (Hermann Göring Division). At the time the award was given, the division was fighting in Italy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Ornate award document for the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Ground Combat Badge of the Air Force) dated 29 February 1944 and signed by Generalleutnant (Three Star General) Paul Conrath (Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and German Cross in Gold), the divisional commander of Fallschirm-Panzer-Division (Paratrooper Armored Division) \"Hermann Göring\". The document was issued when Probst was still serving with the 6.\/Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 \"Hermann Göring\"; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Award document for the Eiserne Kreuz 1.Klasse (Iron Cross 1 Class) issued to Probst on 17 November 1944. At that time, Probst was assigned to the 1.\/Fallschirm-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 4(1st Company of Paratrooper Armored Infantry Regiment 4 \"Hermann Göring,\") part of Fallschirm-Panzer-Grenadier-Division 2 \"Hermann Göring,\" which was engaged on the Eastern Front. The document is signed by an Oberst (Colonel) in proxy for the divisional commander;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Award document issued on 21 March 1945 for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber (Wound Badge in Silver) for being wounded for the third time on 17 January 1945. The document is signed by the Chief Medical Doctor of a military hospital in Saalfeld\/Saale; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e5) Probst's Erkennungsmarke (Dog Tag) issued when he was a recruit with the 1.\/Ersatz-und-Ausbildungs-Regiment (1st Company of Replacement and Training Regiment \"Hermann Göring\"). Dog tag retains its original neck cord. Unteroffizier Heinrich Probst was awarded the Knight's Cross on 26 March 1945 as a Zugführer (Platoon Leader) of Fallschirm-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 \"Hermann Göring.\" Probst's Knight's Cross recommendation reads as follows: Unteroffizier Probst has especially distinguished himself on account of the dutifulness and bravery he demonstrated whilst leading a Panzergrenadier Zug during the positional warfare around Hochfließ. On 15.01.1945 the Bolsheviks attacked with extremely powerful forces; however, Probst was able to repulse 3 attacks (each launched with 2 companies) in a massive expenditure of effort. The enemy then launched another 3 attacks, and because of their great superiority, they were able to capture the road junction on the right boundary of Probst's sector each time. However, on each occasion, Probst was able to throw them back during immediate counter-attacks. Then, after the 7th enemy attack, he launched a furious counter-attack with a handful of his remaining troops, throwing the Russians back more than 200 meters beyond the road, whilst also inflicting bloody losses upon them. Later, during the morning of the 17.01.1945, the enemy attacked in battalion strength, and repeatedly tried to force a breakthrough across the Grünweiden-Hochfleß road. However, Probst stood as a shining example of calm and ruthlessness, and thanks to this, he was able to repulse all attacks with just 10 men and 2 MGs. When the Russians managed to achieve a penetration 300 meters to the right of his sector with 60 men, Probst led a counter-attack with 6 men, and managed to eject the Russians from the trenches in close combat. The Russians then launched a renewed attack with 2 companies, but Probst was able to fiercely repulse them in a brutal battle despite having only 4 men and 1 MG left. He only pulled back, as per his orders, after he had been badly wounded. The Knight's Cross was reportedly bestowed upon Probst by General der Kavallerie (General of Cavalry Troops) Siegfried Westphal, the Chef des Generalstabes (Chief of the General Staff) of the Oberbefehlshaber West (Commander in Chief West).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eA very unique grouping to a Knight's Cross recipient. It's captivating to think that the dog tag was around Probst's neck at all times at the front, including when he carried out the actions for which he earned the Knight's Cross. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049956901170,"sku":"D-208","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_Probst_27057.jpg?v=1775681438"},{"product_id":"paratrooper-document-grouping-to-martin-schmieder","title":"Paratrooper Document Grouping to Martin Schmieder","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eParatrooper Document Grouping to Martin Schmieder-The grouping consists of the following:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Award document for the Medaille zur Erinnerung den 1. Oktober 1938 (Medal in Remembrance of 1 October 1938), commonly known as the Sudetenland Medal. The document was issued in Wien (Vienna) on 6 September 1939 by authority of the Chief of Air Fleet 4 and Southeast Commander, General der Flieger Löhr. Signed by a Major of a Luftwaffe signal regiment; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Preliminary award document the Rumanian Medal for the Crusade Against Communism issued on 10 May 1942; document is signed by a Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant) and Adjutant of Feldpostnummer (Field Mail Number) 26162 (Luftverteidigungs-Nachrichten-Abteilung 6, or Air Defense Signal Battalion 6); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e3) Award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) issued in Berlin on 25 August 1942. Document has a facsimile signature of General der Flieger (Full General of Flying Troops) Gustav Kastner-Kirdorf (awarded the German Cross in Gold on 21 April 1943; committed suicide in Berchtesgaden on 4 May 1945). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049958670642,"sku":"D-209","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27063.jpg?v=1775681512"},{"product_id":"document-grouping-to-obergefreiter-helmut-thiele","title":"Document Grouping to Obergefreiter Helmut Thiele","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDocument Grouping to Obergefreiter Helmut Thiele-The grouping consists of the following documents: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) issued in Berlin on 15 March 1943. Document has a facsimile signature of General der Flieger (Full General of Flying Troops) Gustav Kastner-Kirdorf (awarded the German Cross in Gold on 21 April 1943; committed suicide in Berchtesgaden on 4 May 1945); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e2) Award document for the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Ground Combat Badge of the Air Force) dated 1 April 1944. The document reveals that Thiele was assigned to Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 8 of the 3. Fallschirmjäger-Division (3rd Paratrooper Division). Document is signed by Generalleutnant Richard Schimpf (Knight's Cross on 6 October 1944 and German Cross in Gold on 1 January 1945), the divisional commander of the 3. Fallschirmjäger-Division. An Obergefreiter Helmut Thiele, born on 9 September 1915, appears on the German War Graves website. This Helmut Thiele was killed in action on 20 February 1945 and is buried in the German Military Cemetery in Sandweiler, Luxembourg, where other members of the 3. Fallschirmjäger-Division were interred after the fighting in the area of the Eifel Mountains, namely Prüm. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51052211863858,"sku":"D-210","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27067.jpg?v=1775732655"},{"product_id":"document-grouping-to-paratrooper-gefreiter-johann-hans-kapeller","title":"Document Grouping to Paratrooper Gefreiter Johann \"Hans\" Kapeller","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDocument Grouping to Paratrooper Gefreiter Johann \"Hans\" Kapeller-The grouping consists of the following:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Award document for the Fallschirschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) issued in Berlin on 23 September 1942. Document has a facsimile signature of Generalleutnant Gustav Kastner-Kirdorf (awarded the German Cross in Gold on 21 April 1943; committed suicide in Berchtesgaden on 4 May 1945); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Award document for the Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) issued to Kapeller on 7 June 1943. The document reveals that Kapeller was a member of the 14.\/Fallschirmäger-Regiment 4(14th Company of Paratrooper Regiment 4) of the 7. Flieger-Division (7th Airborne Division), which was previously engaged in Witebsk and Smolensk. The document is signed by Generalmajor Richard Heidrich (Knight's Cross with Oak leaves and Swords, German Cross in Gold), the divisional commander of the 7. Flieger-Division; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e3) Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber (Wound Badge in Silver) dated 10 June 1943, showing that Kapeller was wounded for the fourth time on 20 March 1943 while serving with the 14.\/Fallschirmjager-Regiment 4. The document is signed by the Chief Medical Doctor at Reserve Hospital IV in Regensburg. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51052212977970,"sku":"D-211","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27070.jpg?v=1775732750"},{"product_id":"photo-and-award-documents-grouping-to-feldwebel-sergeant-rolf-begander-paratrooper-reconnaissance-soldier-and-commando-of-otto-skorzenys-panzerbrigade-150","title":"Photo and Award Documents Grouping to Feldwebel (Sergeant) Rolf Begander - Paratrooper, Reconnaissance Soldier, and Commando of Otto Skorzeny's Panzerbrigade 150!!","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ePhoto and Award Documents Grouping to Feldwebel (Sergeant) Rolf Begander - Paratrooper, Reconnaissance Soldier, and Commando of Otto Skorzeny's Panzerbrigade 150!!-The group includes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Four photos (copies) of Rolf Begander, one in his Reichsarbeitsdienst (National Labor Service) uniform and three in various Army uniforms; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Oilcloth personal ID dated 3 December 1937 issued by the Police President in Leipzig; had an attached photo of Begander at one time, but it was removed, most likely for reuse on another ID; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Invoice, presumably for Begander's brother, Emil, dated 28 January 1938 issued in Wermsdorf by the Saxon Riding and Driving School. The invoice for 132.85 Reichsmarks is for an apprenticeship fee, board, housing, 1 polishing pad, cleaning items, wash money for bedding and drill equipment, and loan money for boots; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Award document for the Deutsche Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen (German Protective Wall Honor Decoration), better known as the West Wall Medal, issued in Berlin on 1 August 1940. The document reveals that Begander was an Arbeitsmann (Laborer) assigned to RAD-Abteilung (Labor Service Battalion) 6\/80 (SXV) in Zweibrücken-Fasanerie II. The document has a facsimile signature of Otto Meissner, the Minister of State of the Presidential Chancellery of the Führer and Reich Chancellor; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e5) Large award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) issued in Berlin on 30 October 1940. Document has a facsimile signature of Generalleutnant Gustav Kastner-Kirdorf (awarded the German Cross in Gold on 21 April 1943: committed suicide in Berchtesgaden on 4 May 1945); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e6) Award document for Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for being wounded on 5 June 1942 when Begander was a member of the 2.(Radfahr) Schwadron\/Aufklärungs-Abteilung 132(2nd (Bicycle) Squadron of Reconnaissance Battalion 132) of the 132. Infanterie-Division (132nd Infantry Division). Document is signed by Obertletnant (Lieutenant Colonel) Janus, the Battalion Commander of Reconnaissance Battalion 132; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e7) Award document for Die Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941\/42 (Medal for the Winter Battle in the East 1941\/42), also known as the Ostmedaille (East [Campaign] Medal). Document is dated 12 August 1942 and is signed by Oberleutant (First Lieutenant) Jeranz(?); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e8) Award document for the Krimschild (Crimean Shield) dated 16 December 1942. Document has a facsimile signature of Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) Erich von Mannstein, the Commander in Chief of the 11. Armee (11 Army); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e9) Award document for the Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2\"d Class) issued to Begander on 15 October 1943 when he was assigned to the 2.\/Füsilier-Battalion 132(2nd Squadron of Reconnaisannce Battalion 132). The document is signed by the divisional commander, an undetermined Generalmajor;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e10) Discharge certificate dated 6 December 1945. Includes details concerning his wounds;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e11) Ten postwar documents: 1) Personal ID issued in Lüdenscheid on 10 November 1945; has a thumb print and once had a photo of Begander, which was removed, most likely for reuse on another form of identification; 2) Document granting Begander benefits for health issues caused by wartime wounds; the benefits were valid from 25 March to 30 June 1946; 3) Ardust 1947 by the Greater Hessian State Ministry giving him so-called \"Youth Amnesty,\" which discontinued proceedings against Begander regarding his association with National Socialism and militarism; 4) Legitimation Card for Merchants, Sales Representatives, and Commercial Travelers, issued on 30 December 1953; has a very nice attached photo of Begander; 5) Response letter from the Deutsche Dienststelle (German Agency) for the Notification of the Next of Kin of the Fallen of the former German Armed Forces dated 1 February 1956. Begander requested information regarding his military service on 10 October 1955. The document includes his dog tag inscriptions (he was issued two tags by different units during the war), a listing of his units from December 1939 to April 1944, and his promotions. 6) Press Identification for the Pforzheim Newspaper issued on 31 December 1963 and extended twice to 31 December 1964 and 31 December 1965. Has a nice portrait photo of Begander. 7) Firearms License issued on 30 December 1968 in Pforzheim permitting Begander to carry a Gaspistole (Gas pistol, a non-lethal, close-range defensive tool designed to resemble a real firearm, often firing tear gas or blank cartridges to deter attackers) during business trips within West Germany. Has a nice portrait photo of Begander; 8) Firearm Possession Card issued in Pforzheim on 25 October 1973. Document reveals that Begander owned a 9mm Arminius HW1G gas revolver; 9) Response letter that Begander had sent to the Bundesarchiv (National Archives) and Deutsche Dienststelle giving further details concerning Begander's military service. Units cover his RAD service in 1938 and military units from 1939-1945. Document reveals that he was wounded in Russia and hospitalized in Tilsit and Tapiau in East Prussia, and wounded again in Schierke in the Harz region in April 1945, and hospitalized in Hattingen in the Ruhr Valley. From April 1945 to December 1945, Begander was in American captivity and hospitalized in Lüdenscheid-Hellersen. The most interesting information in this document is that Begander was involved in various special operations with SS-Jagdverbänden (SS Fighter Formations), including the infamous Panzerbrigade 150, Otto Skorzeny's special unit that used captured U.S. clothing and equipment as part of \"Unternehmen Greif\" (\"Operation Griffin\") to infiltrate American Lines during the Battle of the Bulge. Panzerbrigade 150 was comprised of approximately 2,500 soldiers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Waffen SS (Begander was one of the 1,000 Army soldiers). Much information concerning Panzerbrigade 150 and \"Unternehmen Greif\" can be found on the internet; 10) Another document from the Deutsche Dienststelle dated 2 October 1973 certifying Begander's military service from 1 November 1938 to 7 December 1945. Lastly, the grouping includes a Polaroid photo of Rolf Begander's grave, showing that he died on 5 February 2000. A highly interesting document grouping for a soldier who held multiple roles in the service and participated in special operations of the SS, including \"Operation Greif.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51052214681906,"sku":"D-212","price":2100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27074.jpg?v=1775732876"},{"product_id":"paratrooper-document-grouping-to-oberleutnant-1st-lieutenant-hermann-raacke","title":"Paratrooper Document Grouping to Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant) Hermann Raacke","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eParatrooper Document Grouping to Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant) Hermann Raacke-He served with the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War fought from 1936 to 1939. This grouping consists of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Document issued on 31 March 1941 by Luftwaffenpersonalamt (Air Force Personnel Office) under the authority of the Reichminister der Luftfahrt (Minister of Aviation) and Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe (Commander in Chief of the Air Force), Hermann Goring, authorizing the following awards to Wachtmeister (Technical Sergeant) Hermann Raacke:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eGerman Spanish Cross in Silver with Swords; Spanish awards: Cruz roj del Merito Militar; and the Medalla de la Campana. Four additional Spanish awards were crossed out on the document.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e2) Award document for Die Medalle Winterschlacht im Osten 1941\/42 (Medal for the Winter Battle in the East 1941\/42), also known as the Ostmedaille (East [Campaign] Medal) issued on 5 August 1942. At this time, Raacke held the rank of Hauptwachtmeister (First Sergeant) and was serving with the Flakkolonne (Anti-Aircraft Column) of Gemischte Flakabteilung I.\/36 (mot) (Mixed Anti-Aircraft Battalion I.\/36 [motorized]). The document is signed by Oberst (Colonel) Dr. Hermann Stolte, who, at that time, commanded Flak-Regiment 10 (Anti-Aircraft Regiment 10), and was awarded the German Cross in Gold on 7 November 1942. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Very late-war issued award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) issued at the headquarters of the Fallschirm-Armee-Oberkommando (Paratrooper Army High Command) on 6 December 1944 and signed by Generalleutnant (Three-Star General) Walter Lackner, the Stellvertretender Chef (Deputy Chief of the Fallschirm-Armee-Oberkommando). The document is the second rarest version of the Paratrooper Badge document. Raacke was most likely one of the very last paratroopers who received jump training at the Salzwedel Airbase in October 1944. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Award document issued on 13 April 1945 for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for having been wounded on 4 April 1945 while engaging British forces in Holland. The document reveals that Raacke was assigned to the 1.\/Fallschirm-Flak-Abteilung 6 (mot.) (1st Company of Paratrooper Anti Aircraft Battalion 6 [motorized]) of the 6. Fallschirmjäger-Division (6th Paratrooper Division). The document is signed by an Oberleutant of Raacke's company.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e5) Award document for the Eiserne Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1s Class) issued to Raacke on 9 April 1945. The document shows that Raacke was still a member of the 1.\/Fallschirm-Flak-Abteilung 6 (mot.). The document is signed by Generalletnant (Three-Star General) Hermann Plocher, the divisional commander of the 6. Fallschirmjäger-Division (6th Paratrooper Division), who was awarded the Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves, German Cross in Gold, and the Spanish Cross in Gold. When this document was issued, the 6. Fallschirmjäger-Division was engaging British forces in \"Festung Holland\" (\"Fortress Holland\"), where Plocher surrendered on 8 May 1945 at the time of the German capitulation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51052215664946,"sku":"D-213","price":1350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27089.jpg?v=1775732954"},{"product_id":"paratrooper-award-document-grouping-to-feldwebel-sergeant-august-potowski","title":"Paratrooper Award Document Grouping to Feldwebel (Sergeant) August Potowski","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eParatrooper Award Document Grouping to Feldwebel (Sergeant) August Potowski-Potowski jumped on Crete and was captured in North Africa. This grouping consists of the following:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Award document for the Medaille zur Erinnerung den 1. Oktober 1938 (Medal in Remembrance of 1 October 1938 with Clasp), commonly known as the Sudetenland Medal, issued in Berlin on 20 June 1939. Document was issued under the authority of the Commander of the 7. Flieger-Division (7th Airborne Division), Generalmajor Kurt Student. The document is ink-signed by the battalion commander of the Ind Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1, Hauptmann Fritz Prager, who would be awarded the Knight's Cross on 24 May 1940. Prager died of cancer on 3 December 1940 in a military hospital in Frankfurt am Main; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Document dated 9 November 1939 issued in Braunschweig, stating that the Sudetenland Medal and award document were being sent to him. The document reveals that Potowski was a member of the 6.\/Fallschimjäger-Regiment 1 (6th Company of Paratrooper Regiment 1). The document is signed by Potowski's Kompanieführer (Company Commander), who held the rank of Leutant 2nd Lieutenant).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) issued on 15 July 1941, which shows that Potowski was assigned to the lInd Battalion of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1. This document reveals that Potowski was wounded on 20 May 1941 on the first day of \"Operation Merkur\" (\"Operation Mercury\"), the invasion of Crete. Document is signed by the regimental commander of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1, Oberst (Colonel) Bruno Bräuer (Knight's Cross and German Cross in Gold; executed for war crimes by Greece on 20 May 1947); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Letter dated 1 December 1942 to Potowski's mother, Maria, stating that her son, August Potowski, was listed as missing in action in the south of the El-Alamein Front on 5 November 1942. The letter further states that it is likely that he was taken into British captivity when parts of his company were cut off during an ordered withdrawal. The document is signed by an Oberletnant (1st Lieutenant) and Adjutant of Feldpostnummer (Field Mail Number) 43504 (2. Kompanie Lehr Battalion Fliegerkorps XI, or 2nd Company of the Instructional Battalion of the XI Air Corps; the Fallschirmjäger Lehr Battalion was formed by the cadre from the lind Battalion of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 in July 1940). Includes an acceptable translation of the letter. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e5) Award document for the Ärmelband \"Kreta\" (\"Crete\" Cuff Title) issued on 29 January 1943 having a facsimile signature of Der Kommandierende General des XI. Flieger-Korps (The Commanding General of the XI. Air Corps), General der Flieger (Full General) Kurt Student; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e6) Award document for the Ärmelband Afrika (Africa Cuff Title) issued on 1 May 1943 by authority of Der Oberbefehlshaber Süd (Commander in Chief South), Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshall) Albert Kesselring, and ink-signed by a Major; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e7) Award document for the Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) issued to Potowski on 28 May 1943 for his combat service on Crete. The document was actually issued on Iraklion, Crete, and is signed by the regimental commander of Fallschirmäger-Regiment 1, Oberst (Colonel) Bräuer (Knight's Cross and German Cross in Gold; executed for war crimes by Greece on 20 May 1947). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e8) Document sent from Latersdorf, Germany, on 26 April 1944, to Potowski's mother, Maria, by the Restkommando Lehrataillon XI (Residual Command of Instructional Battalion XI), stating that along with this document, she was being sent her husband's Kreta cuff title and the award document for it. The document further states that she is being asked to retain the cuff title and document for safekeeping until her husband returns from captivity. Lastly, she was informed that the cuff title and document were not to be sent to her husband while he was in captivity. Document is signed by an Oberfeldwebel (First Sergeant), who served as the Kommando-Führer (Command Leader). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e9) Document sent from Latersdorf, Germany, on 27 April 1944, to Potowski's wife by the Aufstellungstab Ramcke (Ramcke Formation Headquarters) stating that Potowski had been promoted to Feldwebel and that his pay rate would be increased. Document is signed by an Oberfeldwebel (First Sergeant), who served as the Kommando-Führer (Command Leader) of Aufstellungsstab Ramcke. This is a really nice grouping for a true paratrooper who fought with two elite units and was involved in two significantly historical German offensives. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51052216844594,"sku":"D-214","price":2100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27093.jpg?v=1775733034"},{"product_id":"paratrooper-award-document-grouping-to-wilhelm-grossmann","title":"Paratrooper Award Document Grouping to Wilhelm Grossmann","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eParatrooper Award Document Grouping to Wilhelm Grossmann-The grouping consists of the following:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e1) Award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) issued in Berlin on 19 June 1942, having a facsimile signature of General der Flieger Gustav Kastner-Kirdorf (awarded the German Cross in Gold on 21 April 1943; committed suicide in Berchtesgaden on 4 May 1945); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e2) Second-issue award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen issued in Berlin on 18 October 1943. The document is signed by a Hauptmann (Captain) Saeger(?), a subordinate officer of General der Flieger Kastner-Kirdorf within the Luftwaffe Personnel Office of the Air Ministry. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e3) Certification document documenting Grossmann's military service from 21 July 1941 to 3 June 1943. As of 3 June 1943, he was deemed as unfit. This certification was signed by an Oberst (Colonel), the commanding officer of the Ausbildungs-und-Ersatz-Stelle of Luftgau VII (Training and Replacement Center of Air District VII) in München (Munich).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e4) Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) dated 13 July 1943. The document, which was issued by Reserve Hospital VIl in München, reveals that Grossmann was wounded on 12 November 1942. Document is signed by Dr. Hölzel, the Chief Medical Doctor of Reserve Hospital VII; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e5) Award document for the Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) issued to Grossmann on 1 November 1943. The document is signed by Generalmajor Walter Barenthin (German Cross in Gold), the divisional commander of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division (2nd Paratrooper Division); \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e6) Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz dated 20 April 1944. The stamp is impossible to read, so it can't be determined what hospital Grossmann was interned in. The document is signed by the Chief Medical Doctor of the hospital. This document is unique in that Grossmann had already earned the Wound Badge in Black and for his second wound, he should have been awarded the Wound Badge in Silver. This is an error made by the hospital, which may not have had information on Grossmann's previous wound. The document reveals that Grossmann was a member of the 3.\/Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 2 of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e7) Award document for the Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe (Ground Combat Badge of the Air Force) dated 25 June 1944 and hand-signed by Generalleutnant Bernhard Ramcke (Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds), the divisional commander of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division. Grossmann, who was still assigned to the 3.\/Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 2, along with the rest of the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division, surrendered in Brest, France, on 20 September 1944. A great grouping for a long-serving paratrooper who earned several combat awards, and was captured by U.S. forces in France in 1944. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51052217958706,"sku":"D-215","price":1750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Fallschirmjager_Document_27101.jpg?v=1775733115"},{"product_id":"wwii-german-army-wehrpass-6","title":"WWII German Army Wehrpaß","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eWWII German Army Wehrpaß-This was issued to J. Thieler on 30 June 1938. There is a photo riveted to the second page. He was born on 16 September 1918 in Weisbach. When this was issued, he joined the 2.\/Inf. Ers. Btl. 101 or the 2nd Company of Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 101 (Infantry Replacement Battalion 101). It was a German Army training and replacement unit formed in August 1939 in Leisnig, Saxony. Its primary mission was to train recruits and supply replacements for frontline divisions. There are a couple of reassignments with him ending up in the 185th Infantry regiment in 1939. He fought, most likely in the cleanup after they took over France. He was killed we believe in France, in July of 1940. This book has several entries. This one is definitely as candidate for a nice research project! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51386979189042,"sku":"D-043","price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Wehrpas_32623.jpg?v=1782834520"},{"product_id":"500-reichsmark-4-prussian-consolidated-government-bond-from-1940","title":"500 Reichsmark 4% Prussian Consolidated Government Bond from 1940","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e500 Reichsmark 4% Prussian Consolidated Government Bond from 1940-We have multiples of these and all will be in the same or better condition that the one pictured. Each has an individual bond number so that will change but otherwise these are all identical. I was able to roughly translates the script….\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e“4% Prussian Consolidated Government Bond from 1940, Letter E\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo XXXXX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBond for 500 R.M.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFive hundred Reichsmarks\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIssued on the basis of 44, 4, and 5, three orders dated March 24, 1940 (Bill Collection 6.21) in conjunction with 51, 36.2 on the State Debt Decree dated March 12, 1924 (Bill Collection 5.132) in the case of 5,150 for World War II dated December 12, 1934 (Bill Collection 6.1551).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe bond will bear interest at four percent per year from June 1, 1940. The interest will be paid annually on June 1 and December 1 to the bearer of the due interest coupons by the Prussian State Debt Fund and the Prussian State Bank (Seebandlung) in Berlin, the Prussian Government Main Offices and State District Offices, and the agencies additionally designated by the Prussian Minister of Finance. After the expiration of one series of interest coupons, a new series with a renewal certificate for the following series will be issued for the bond\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe bond is redeemed annually in the amount of two percent of its original nominal value, plus the interest saved through the redemption. Redemption takes place through repurchase or drawing. The numbers of the drawn bonds are published in the German Reich and Prussian State Gazette. The drawn bonds are redeemed at par on June 1 following the drawing. In the case of a drawing, the first redemption will take place on June 1, 1941\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe holder can redeem the capital of the drawn bond against delivery of the bond and the unmatured interest coupons, along with the renewal certificate, from the Prussian State Debt Office and the Prussian State Bank (Seehandlung) in Berlin or outside Berlin through all Prussian Government Main Treasuries as well as the State District Treasuries in Dortmund, Duisburg, Frankfurt am Main, Hagen, Hamburg-Wandsbek, and Wuppertal-Elberfeld, after the bank has submitted the bond to be submitted to it, along with the unmatured interest coupons and the renewal certificate, for recognition by the Prussian State Debt Office and has received its instructions. Interest on the bond ceases upon expiration of the term preceding its maturity date. The amount of any missing interest coupons is deducted from the capital amount. The claim to the capital expires if the bond is not presented for redemption within thirty years of its maturity date.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe holder of the bond has no right of termination. Berlin, May 31, 1940.\u003cbr\u003ePrussian State Debt Administration”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eThese measure 11 ¾” by 8 ½”. Each has a small hole punched in it around the bottom right. Very interesting!\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51387317584178,"sku":"D-003","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Prussian_State_Bond_Reichmarks_32370.jpg?v=1782736190"},{"product_id":"german-wwii-early-deutsches-reich-arbeitbuch","title":"German WWII Early Deutsches Reich Arbeitbuch","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eGerman WWII Early Deutsches Reich Arbeitbuch-This is a workbook for a fellow that worked in a pencil factory in Bavaria, this could be what is now known as Faber-Castell. This book was issued in Nuremberg in 1936 and has a beautiful official stamp with an early eagle. In fact, this book is early, as it has no swastika on the cover, and shows the early eagle. This book only has a few entries, with many pages remaining blank. Overall, it is in near excellent condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51389605806386,"sku":"D-055","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Deutsches_Reich_Arbeitsbuch_32517.jpg?v=1782740730"},{"product_id":"german-wwii-deutsches-reich-arbeitbuch-3","title":"German WWII Deutsches Reich Arbeitbuch","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eGerman WWII Deutsches Reich Arbeitbuch-This is a very early workbook for a person who worked at the Wellner \u0026amp; Sohne factory, as we assume a metalsmith. This book was issued in 1935, and there is another entry for 1945. This guy was a career man, as his last entry was 1946, when he was 70 years old. This book is early, as it has no swastika on the cover, and shows the early eagle. This book only has a few entries, with many pages remaining blank. Overall, it is in near excellent condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51389606396210,"sku":"D-056","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/files\/WW2_German_Deutsches_Reich_Arbeitsbuch_32523.jpg?v=1782740804"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/9332\/collections\/Sale_f1d37e09-8371-4425-b465-8ea2f420df96.jpg?v=1792505366","url":"https:\/\/www.therupturedduck.com\/collections\/historical-documents-sale.oembed?page=2","provider":"The Ruptured Duck, LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}