Original German WWII Grrenadier Regiment 365 Unteroffizier 2nd Class Iron Cross with Award Document Original Items

Original Items: One-of-a-kind set. This excellent award document measures approximately, 8″ x 5.5, (20cm x 14cm), mid-weight paper document with black, printed Gothic/Fraktur script and typed details. The script indicates that Unteroffizier Müller, who served in the 3rd Kompanie of Grenadier Regiment 365, was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on March 9th, 1943. The document bears the authorizing signature of Generalleutnant und Kommandeur der 211.Infanterie-Divisionn. The document shows yellowing typical of age and one central fold crease. Also included is Müller’s Iron Cross 2nd Class medal in very good condition with the original hanging ribbon.

Grenadier Regiment 365 began as Infantry Regiment 365 and became a Grenadier unit in 1942. It fell under the command of the 211 Infanterie-Division. This division started the war in the Eiffel in 1939, then France were it stayed until January 1942 before it moved to Russia, Brjansk,Orel,Newel and Kewel. In November 1944 it was renamed in the 211.Volks-Grenadier-Division and moved to Hungary and fell under the 8.Armee. By the end of the war it moved to Niederösterreich and surrendered in Raum Budweis to the Russians and Americans.

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.