Description:

OTTO SKORZENY - MUSSOLINI RESCUE AWARD
(1908 - 1975) Nazi officer and Hitler's chief and favorite commando, he made a daring mountain-top rescue of Mussolini, placed english-speaking soldier in American uniforms to mislead American forces in the Bulge, and after the war may have headed an organization that helped hundreds of ex-SS officers flee Germany. Rare, superb content war-date D.S. signed twice, 4pp. legal folio, [n.p., ca. Sep. 15, 1943], a recommendation for the award of the German Cross in Gold to SS-Rottenfuhrer Hans Holzer for his contribution to the rescue of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from his imprisonment on Gran Sasso on Sep. 12, 1943. The citation reads, in part: '...Rottenfuhrer Holzer took part in the Italian mission as deputy group leader. During the design campaigns on September 9th and 10th, 1943 he distinguished himself several times as a reporter. He carried reports from widely separated groups right through enemy lines. He did not allow himself to be prevented from carrying out his orders through the heaviest combat operations. The timely delivery of these reports frustrated various intentions of the Italians and the disarmament actions were carried out according to plan. H. also took part in the liberation of the Duce and landed at the Berghotel with the second plane. When he and Stubaf. Skorzeny and Ustuf. Schwerdt saw him entering the hotel from afar, and without waiting for a special order, he tried to get into the hotel. He was prevented from doing so several times by the Italians, but was then able to climb up the outside wall, through a window and through several rooms, to get into the Duce's antechamber. At pistol point and hand grenade, he forced the Italians to give him access to the hotel, and he also reached shortly...the Duce's room. Here, standing by the stairs, he took cover against any intentions of the Italians. Through his resolute demeanor and dashing demeanor, he made sure the Italians couldn't do anything...Despite a crushing overnight stay in the hotel, H. kept his nerve and contributed greatly to the success of the campaign with his cold-blooded and brave behavior...Holzer is the type of responsible soldier who keeps his cool in all dangerous situations and pulls his comrades with him through his special bravery...' Signed on the cover sheet and within a second time. Significant paper loss at top of first page not affecting signatures nor text, else very good.

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June 14, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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