Brian R

Among the most interesting Iron Cross award documents are those that include written explanations for the recipient’s actions that won him the award, or Begründung (grounds). The written details could be recorded on a separate piece of paper but were often typed, or handwritten, on the document’s reverse. These citations offer a clear understanding of the deeds associated with the award of an Iron Cross, above and beyond the standard combination of studying the combination of unit and award date. The process was not very common but seems to have been done by a wide variety of Heer and Waffen-SS units throughout the war. This example includes a brief, but interesting explanation for the recipient’s Iron Cross. It was awarded to Gefreiter Josef Gilek, a radioman and observer (Vorgeschobener Beobachter), and member of Artillerie-Regiment 188 for fighting against the Soviet airborne operation west of the Dnieper River on September 25, 1943. As a Vorgeschobener Beobachter, Gilek was employed with the responsibility of observing and reporting the impact of his unit’s artillery salvos. Given the surprise airborne operation conducted by the Soviets, it is likely that Gilek was engaged in close quarters fighting; a shift from his everyday duties since enemy soldiers had landed among troops deployed behind the Dnieper River. The details on the reverse specifically speak to the fact that the recipient was effective against Soviet paratroops. Gefreiter Gilek did not only prove himself to be a courageous soldier as a V.B., but above all on 25.9.43 showed special worthiness during the successful defense against enemy paratroopers. In this case, the award was made by 57. Infanterie-Division even though Artillerie-Regiment 188 was actually organic to 88. Infanterie-Division. The lending of units to different divisions was quite common throughout the war, and it was probably quite common at this point given the race to the Dnieper and beyond. Another interesting aspect of this citation are the various dates. The actions for which he won the award, the date it was processed on division level and then the date it was processed/completed by his Bataillon (this is when the details were added) are all included. These three dates shed some light on the award process of the Iron Cross in this case. If you like this, please check out my "Begründung" webpage... http://kleinekillpress.com/iron-cross-winners---begruumlndung.html I have just updated it with a few new examples and will be adding more soon (and hope to, someday, improve on the website and make it more robust and presentable). There are also seven examples in my book (one of which is the ant-parachutist one shown above)... http://kleinekillpress.com/premiere-book-release.html Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

Guys - thanks for all the replies. This one is a bit baffling but maybe there is something to it being awarded well behind the lines - either the engraving is the result of it being presented in Zagórów for actions earlier or even for continued service at a rear hospital. I guess it's possible it could be an elusive non-combatant award but I think it's more likely for the former.

I have G. Irving Root's Battles East - I have only referenced it in the past. I will have to dive in.

Yup, that is probably the best explanation. It seems weird that someone would put that on his cross if that is where he received it, rather than earned it. I could see the date he received the award before seeing the location. I do like these EKs with Eastern Front references as it gives me a whole new project. While the Eastern Front is my favorite theatre in WWII, its a mystery to me for WWI. I have a lot to study.

Indeed. I constantly run into problems researching period documentation from the Russian Font in WWII. I look at maps and can't find the location that is referenced!! Agreed, that it is more like a place name, rather than a surname.

Hi Guys - Question for ya... I have an EK with a reference to Sagarow 1915, or at least the first letter appears to be an S. I was thinking it could be related to Zagarow, Poland but the date (August 20, 1915) wouldn't fit as, it appears, the fighting was farther to the east at this time. Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this? Could it possibly be someone's name instead? Thanks! Brian

Definitely fake (not sure about the case, though). I'd rather have the one on Baldes' site. Can someone lend me the money? http://www.militaria-baldes.de/en/catalog/41/0/10777.html

Norm - I think you are right. Part of my guess was related to the ribbons the other officers have. It seems that there is one officer wearing the ribbon for the 1939 EK2 and another for the War Merit Cross. Since these weren't in existence until after the war started, I figured it was a later ceremony. However, the Memel medal was awarded until December 1940, so it is quite possible. Also, the first recipient is quietly likely holding his award document in his left hand. I would lean towards it being a large Memel citation.

Andreas - This is a HUGE help! No need to translate the battles/actions - just having them typed out is quite helpful. Übel saw a lot of action throughout the war. It is interesting to see that he was an early EK2 winner and the fighting in Romania, where the EK1 was likely earned, is intriguing. My knowledge of the First World War is quite limited, and my specific knowledge of the fighting on the Eastern Front is next to known. This will be a great catalyst for a study of the fighting in Romania over the winter of 1916/1917. If there is anything you ever need from the Ancestry US database, please do not hesitate to ask. Brian

Andreas - Thanks so much for this!! I have an Ancestry subscription but currently only have access to the US records. A couple questions... Is a the image from Ancestry a bit larger than this? Is the attached image reduced a bit as a result of being posted on the forum? Are the records on Ancestry limited to Bavarian records or are other their records from other Kingdoms, Duchies, etc.? I really appreciate this info - it will go a long way to making this EK that much more special. There is not much better than attributable Iron Cross!

Cool pictures. I think its a ceremony for presentation of the War Merit Medal.

Hi Guys - Years ago, Rick L. helped me with some information about this engraved EK1 to a with Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment 13. He determined that it (probably) belonged to Maximilian Uebel (Übel) of Mindelheim, Bavaria. Born around 1874, he was a Leutnant in Landwehr II by 1913 and made Oberleutnant dLII around the start of the war. He probably made Hauptmann dLII by about 1916. I'm curious if any more information is available out there (like his service record), similar to what Chris B. helped with in this thread... http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/60774-the-service-record-of-a-bavarian-doctor/ I'm pretty sure Bayer RIR 13 was heavily involved in the fighting at Verdun in the early part of 1916, so I wonder if this EK could possibly be from that period. Brian

This is an extraordinary set of documents. These formal awards are quite rare in that initial regulations stated that special posthumous awards could be initiated by local commands and sent to OKH (or OKW) in the event of tremendous bravery/circumstances. It appears that the higher authorities reserved the rights to process these awards but seldom did so as the war progressed, and casualties became so frequent (especially after Barbarossa in 1941). This particular set is interesting in that the date coincides with the start of Fall Rot, the second phase of the war in France. You will see a lot of casualty related awards dating from June 5th or so as the French put up surprisingly stiff resistance after suffering so heavily in the prior weeks, surprising the Germans. There are a couple of posthumous awards in my book, Iron Cross Award Documents of World War II - both formal and informal (on division level). See.... http://kleinekillpress.com/premiere-book-release.html

Guys - Thanks for the responses. I'm pleased to know that this bar is correct - and I've learned something new in that there were two different ribbon options. Best, Brian

reverse

Hi Guys - I have had this bar for years and am now considering selling it. Before doing so, I want to make sure it is right. Is the 1868-1907 Baden Silver Merit Medal wrong for this bar? Shouldn't it be a plain yellow ribbon? In this case, is this a ribbon for the 1908-1916 Friedrich II Silver Medal of Merit and that is what should be there? If it is wrong, isn't the 1868-1907 medal more valuable? I appreciate the help! Brian

Just a quick update. The books have officially arrived and are ready for sale and immediate shipment. Brian

Thanks for the comments, guys. And yes, Paul - I will have a table at the MAX. Looking forward to it! B

Iron Cross Award Documents of World War II is now available for purchase. The preliminary copies have arrived and everything looks great! The main shipment should reach New York in about the first or second week of June. The synopsis is below. To me, a book on this subject was long overdue. I wrote it with Iron Cross and Iron Cross Document collectors in mind. Even if you are just an EK collector, you will appreciate the background of the awarding of the 1939 Iron Cross that has been shown in detail... Iron Cross Award Documents of World War II by Brian Razkauskas is the first comprehensive presentation and study of the 1939 Iron Cross award document. It features over 200 Iron Cross First and Second Class award citations and related material and dissects the documents’ various attributes, all while presenting them in historical context. Included are in-depth studies of Iron Cross award regulations, award proceedings, casualty-related awards, unit-specific awards and award document variants. It is likely to be the ultimate source for Iron Cross collectors, and Iron Cross award document collectors and researchers, for years to come. Regular Book Price = $110 + S&H Any order received between now and June 6 will receive $10 off. All contributors will receive an additional discount. The book with packaging weighs approximate 3 lbs., 10 oz. Domestic shipping will be available via Priority Mail ($17) or Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation ($7.50). International mail pricing will vary by destination. Please send an email to info@kleinekillpress.com to reserve your copy. Thank you!! I am excited to finally share this work with you all. Brian R. kleinekillpress.com

Yes, it is Wolf and it is a stamp. His sig is basically always found stamped from the mid-war years on.

Thanks for straightening this out, Kevin. I was going by the info on the ww2.dk site.

Yes, its nice but with a few scratches and dings. The cross is marked We.

What a great thread this is! My interest in this unit is based on an EK1 I recently acquired, so the information provided is most appreciated. Specifically, the Iron Cross First Class is engraved to a man by the name of Langendorf for an award related to the fighting at Krewo-Smorgon. It includes the date of August 2, 1917. I will have try and get the regimental history.

Hauptmann Heinz-Martin Hadeball Gruppe Kommander: I. Gruppe, Nachtjagdgeschwader 6 26.4.44 - 3.7.44 Document Image: Heldentod Citation

Yup, the IAB doc is standard and related to fighting with Army Group Center.