Lot 202

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Description:

ERWIN VON WITZLEBEN
(1881-1944) Prominent, highly-decorated German army officer involved in the July 20 Plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, convicted and executed. Rare partly-printed D.S. 1p. 8vo., Sept. 1, 1943. A rare award given "In the name of the Führer and chief commanders of the Wehrmach" to Sergeant Wilhelm Schoch, of the Military Cross, Second Class with Swords. Boldly signed by Witzleben at bottom right in grease pencil. Around the time he signed this document, Operation Valkyrie was in the works to assassinate Hitler. Schenk von Stauffenberg saw in Witzleben a key player who would take over command of the entire Wehrmacht after Hitler was eliminated. On 20 July the plan culminated in a botched bombing at the Wolf's Lair in East Prussia which left several dead, but not the intended target himself. Witzleben arrived late on the scene and then angrily repaired to his country estate. He was removed from the Wehrmacht and, on Aug. 7, 1944, became the first officer to be brought before The People's Court. He was executed the following day. File holes at left, light soiling, very good condition.

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July 21, 2011 11:30 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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