KAISER WILHELM II AWARDS THE POUR LE MERITE

KAISER WILHELM II AWARDS THE POUR LE MERITE

WILHELM II (1859 - 1941) "Kaiser Wilhelm", Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia, a socially progressive ruler whose reign ended with Germany's defeat in World War I. Especially rare and most desirable D.S., 1p. 8.25 x 13 in., Grosses Hauptquartier"",Oct. 11, 1917. Wilhelm issues Germany's highest award to "Generalmajor Theodor Teetzmann, Kommandeur der 34. Infanteriedivision, von Orden pour le merite...". Bears the original signature of Kaiser Wilhelm II and a blind embossed seal. Folds, pencil signature a bit light as was the Kaiser's habit, else near fine. A fine historical document in essence honoring the entire division. THEODOR TEETZMANN (1859-1930) was born in Prussia and trained with the Cadet Corps. As a major, he headed up the military school at Anklam from 1908 until 1913, when he became commander of the 30th Infantry Regiment in Saarlouis. As Germany mobilized for the war, Colonel Teetzmann's regiment was selected to be part of the vanguard pushing into France, their first engagement being at the Battle of Longwy. In quick succession, Teetzmann was transferred to command first the 29th Infantry Brigade. In October of 1916, he was promoted to generalmajor and transferred to command the 34th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Pour le Merite on 11 October 1917.