Description:

KNIGHTS CROSS AWARD GIVEN TO KLAUS HILGEMANN
Knights Cross of the Iron Cross award document issued to infantry commander Klaus Hilgemann, 4pp. 13 1/2" x 17" on parchment with an integral blank front leaf, "Fuhrerhauptquartier" [Berlin], October 8, 1942. The ornately-lettered document is accomplished in India ink and gold with a hand-inked signature of Adolf Hitler at bottom. Produced at the workshop of the brilliant bookbinder and decoration designer Frieda Thiersch. Fine to very fine condition. Sold with the presentation red leather folder with gilt trim, bears Thiersch's name printed within, in good condition with the usual scuffs, chips, and scratches so often seen on these folders. Most of the original red cord which secured the document to the folder is present. Award documents for the Knights Cross are rare, despite the fact that Hitler granted over 7,000 of them. A severe backlog soon developed—and in the end, very few recipients of the award ever received their large award documents (or Gross-Urkunden). Klaus Hilgemann (1918-1973) joined the Wehrmacht in 1936 as a cadet in Infantry Regiment 78, and in 1938 was promoted to lieutenant. When the war began, he was transferred to the newly-formed Infantry Regiment 464 and fought with it in the west in 1940. In October 1940, he became platoon leader for the 13th Co., Infantry Regiment 426 and fought in the Russian Campaign, joining Infantry Regiment 422 in August 1941. The Knight's Cross awarded in this document was given in recognition of his valor in the fighting in the Demyansk Pocket earlier in the year. The successful defense of Demyansk, achieved through the use of an air bridge, was a significant development in modern warfare. The pocket provoked an inordinate response on the part of the Soviets, absorbing resources that could have been utilized for offensive actions elsewhere. Its success was a major contributor to the decision to try the same tactic during the Battle of Stalingrad. In March 1943 Hilgeman was given command of II./Grenadier Regiment 426. On April 28, 1944 awarded the German Cross in Gold, and fought with distinction at Modohn for which he was awarded the Oak Leaves on October 29, 1944. Hilgemann ended his military career commanding military schools in Germany.

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December 9, 2015 10:30 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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