Original Items: One-of-a-kind grouping. On March 10TH 1813, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III established the Iron Cross as a temporary award for bestowal during times of war. Originally the Iron Cross was introduced in three grades with a Grand Cross intended for award to Senior Commanders for successfully leading troops in combat and the First and Second classes for award to all ranks for bravery or merit in action. The Iron Cross’s were reinstituted by King Wilhelm I on July 19TH 1870 for award during the Franco-Prussian War and again on August 5TH 1914, by King Wilhelm II for award during WWI. On September 1ST 1939 AH once more reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First and Second Classes and established the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The second class medal was for award to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat.

This award document example approximately, 8" x 5.5, (20cm x 14cm), mid-weight paper document with black, printed Gothic/Fraktur script and typed in particulars. The script indicates that, Schützen Richard Goletz of 2./Pz.-Aufkl.-Abt. 26 was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, in the field, on the 9th of December 1944. The document bears the authorizing signature of an Oberst. The document shows yellowing typical of age.

Included is Goletz Iron Cross 2nd Class medal that appears to have a makers mar on the hanging ring along with ribbon and his panzer breast eagle, both in very good condition.

Panzer division (Tank) material has always been very popular as they were one of the most devastating aspect of the German Wehrmacht in World War Two. A nice rare named grouping that would fit in any German WWII collection.