AN OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OF THE AWARD OF THE KNIGHT'S CROSS ...

Estimate

£200 - £300

AN OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OF THE AWARD OF THE KNIGHT'S CROSS TO STORMTROOPER FRITZ CHRISTEN. A document dated 21st October 1941 awarding ht Knight's Cross to SS Stormtrooper Fritz Christen. With rubber stamp and signature. 14 x 20.5cm With two holes punched to the left margin. The action leading to the award is recorded in literature: 'SS-Sturmann Fritz Christen was born 29 June 1921 and served in the anti-tank detachment of the SS-Totenkopf Division, receiving the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 20 July 1941. At noon on 24 September 1941, he was manning his 50mm anti-tank gun during a strong Russian assault on German positions near Lushno and was exposed to heavy artillery and Infantry fire. The neighbouring anti-tank guns had been knocked out, and the Soviets had already penetrated SS dugouts in the immediate vicinity. In a demonstration of the highest personal initiative, Christen remained alone at his post, the only surviving member of his battery, and coolly destroyed one enemy tank after another, until six lay ablaze and the remainder turned back. That night, cut off from the rest of his unit and subjected to a continual hail of mortar and machine-gun fire, he carried new stocks of shells to his gun form the disabled batteries around him. At dawn the following day, ten Russian tanks and supporting Infantry attempted to break through once again. Christen proceeded to destroy a further seven enemy armoured vehicles, single-handedly repelling the attack and bringing his personal tally to thirteen tanks within 24 hours. On 27 September the Russians were finally driven out of the Lushno area and his astounded comrades found Christen still crouched behind his anti-tank gun. During the preceding three days he had killed over 100 enemy soldiers. He was immediately awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class by Theodore Eicke, the Totenkopf divisional commander, and on 20 October 1941 he received the Knight's Cross in recognition of his bravery. Christen was the first and youngest enlisted man from the ranks of the Waffen-SS to win this coveted decoration.'. With a selection of copied research. Provenance Dominic Winter 15th May 2015 *Condition: Previously folded.