Iron Cross First Class and Award Document. Uffz. Leo Schafer

The first Award and Document group to Unteroffizer Leo Schafer of 8./ Gren. Regt.689.

Comprising, a very good example of an L/11 Pin Back Iron Cross First Class by Wilhelm Deumer in overall very good condition, the iron core without loss to the finish and without signs of rust, and the Award Document for the Iron Cross.

The Document is a rare and interesting example, the reverse with details of the action which earned Schafer the award.

“Uffz. Sch. On 26.12.43 at Sasyby – Maklaki (Russia) – Part of Machine Gun Company. After several attempts found it was impossible to link up with the neighbouring units to his left. He formed a small fighting group on the left wing and launched several attacks. With his machine group he inflicted particularly high losses on the opponent who had broken in on the left.

What makes this document even more interesting is the original ink signature of Generalmajor und Divisions- Kommandeur Folley who was the first German General to be killed on D Day. He was unlucky enough to be returning to his headquarters South of St. Mere Église on the 6th June when they ran into elements of the US 82nd Airborne Division.

Condition is very good, once folded and with a small tear in the fold.