Bidspirit auction | Nazi German Knight's Cross Recipient

Nazi German Knight's Cross Recipient Hans Sturm Typed letter signed (TLS) and Signed Photograph - Post World War Two Hans Sturm autograph lot consisting of an autographed post war copy 5” x 3.5” photograph of Sturm and his father in the hospital at Smolensk the day that he received his Knight's Cross. Accompanying this signed photo is Sturm's typed, signed description of the photograph and his action in battle that led to the award of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. From an article by J.R. Bailey, ”The division was located near Rzhev in the area of the Volga bridgehead by early September 1942. The Russians surprised the Germans when they attacked their positions on the night of September 13. A key German machine gun position was knocked out, and Sturm, seeing the danger that this posed, ran over to the machine gun position. He found the weapon undamaged and began firing on the advancing Russians, forcing them back. The Russians began to concentrate their fire on Sturm's position knowing that it had to be eliminated. His gun position took a direct hit and he was knocked unconscious. After coming to, he realized that he had a very bad head wound and had lost the sight in his right eye from shrapnel fragments. Although seriously wounded and in pain, he dragged himself back to his machine gun and began firing. The Russians eventually called off the attack, and the gravely wounded Sturm was evacuated to a field hospital in Smolensk.” In-house shipping is available. Open pickup is Tuesday, Oct. 29 from Noon to 7 pm at our offices in Carroll, OH 43112 or we will provide in-house shipping for this item. We charge $5/lot if you want to pick up a different day. Once packed up we will send you an invoice for shipping & handling. Shipping questions: shipping@burnsbid.com. Sales tax will be collected on all bidders. If tax exempt, make sure your certification is submitted with the bid platform.