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One of the most highly impressive items of Third Reich militaria is the formal citation for the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. The citation comes with its original red leather folder with large gilt leaf eagle and swastika design to the front. The document itself is produced on vellum with the name of the recipient in gold leaf and signed at the bottom by Adolf Hitler, the early examples like this one being personally signed by him. The citations were produced by Frieda Thiersch and her name is also in gold leaf at the back of the folder. This citation was awarded to Oberfeldwebel Karl Hausmann. It was awarded on the 15th May 1942. The early examples were all personally presented by Adolf Hitler due to the importance of the award being one of the highest awards for gallantry in combat. Hausmann at the time of the award was a Oberfeldwebel in the 3rd Jager Regiment 28 which was part of the 8th Jager division. The award was probably for gallantry during the breakthrough to relieve the German divisions which were encircled at Demjansk on the eastern front. For lower non-officer ranks to be awarded the Knights Cross they would have had to of shown great courage and displayed an act of gallantry in combat. Karl Hausmann survived the war and continued to serve raising to the rank of Oberleutnant, after the war he served with the Bundeswehr up until 1967. He died on 27/7/1997. The citation is not in mint condition and the parchment paper which covers the citation is missing. The citation appears to have been folded at one time and has a crease through the middle. The outer cover shows some wear and has scuff marks especially to the corners however the gilt eagle to the front remains in good condition with much of the detail still present.
So often items like these turn up with no history or background information but this example was brought back to the UK by Staff Sergeant Major William Edward Lincoln MBE and American Bronze Star winner. Lincoln was a senior service member of the operational intelligence sub division of G2 (S.H.A.E.F)
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