Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross L/12 Juncker, Awarded to Oberleutnant Herbert Heinrich Serving in A.R. 267

Oberleutnant Herbert Heinrich serving as  “Chef 3 / Artillerie-Regiment 267” Was  awarded the Knightscross on March 15th, 1944. Here is a short description:

“Awarded for his actions in early 1944. During this time a Soviet division broke through the German positions, and the Germans were forced to pull back their frontline. During this fighting Soviet troops encountered the firing positions of Oberleutnant Heinrich and his 3./Artillerie-Regiment 267. However Heinrich stayed in position with his men even after the German frontline had pulled back, all while repulsing the Soviet attacks (some including tanks) that were set against him.”

We choose to use the US based militaria dealer Bill Shea from The Ruptured Duck, very accurate description to describe this grouping:

“A textbook example by this maker in the classic heavy style with the slightly vaulted iron core. The cross is 48.42mm wide and 54,79mm high with a weight of 32.60 grams. There is normal usage wear to the paint with some of the black paint missing from the swastika as well as small gouge in the flat background surface between the lower right and central arms, with just a tiny bit of oxidation here and a light hint of it around the “1939” as well. However L/12 marked Knight’s Crosses, for the most part date to the early war period and were therefor usually worn by the recipient in the field. By Oberleutnant Heinrich in this case and as a result one expects to see them worn. The silver frame has a handsome dark patina that actually complements the light paint wear, enhancing the look of a service used piece. The reverse is in equal condition to the obverse. The cross frame is marked below and to the left of the eye ring(which is slightly bent) with the silver content “800” and to the right “L/12” (the Juncker LDO code). The jump ring also with a few nicks and scratches here and there is marked “800” at one bottom end. The cross is set up with a shortened ribbon with a short section of tangerine colored fabric added to each end. The two ends are then connected to each other by a white ribbed elasticized band between them. This outstanding cross is accompanied by a reprint photowith autograph of 1LT Heinrich, also included are photocopies of his award documents, including the Ritterkreuz document, general assault badge, german sports badge, eastern front medal, iron cross first class, iron cross second class, all three grades of wound badge. There is also a copy of a congratulation telegram for the knights cross award from commander of 4th army, Generaloberst Heinrici and a Division made certificate of recognition from the Division commander, Generalleutnant Drescher. A certified guarantee of authenticity from the respected (now retired) German seller of military decorations, Herr Detlev Niemann comes with this Knight’s Cross together with the Ruptured Duck’s lifetime guarantee of authenticity.”

A rare oppurtunity to obtain a named Junckers Knight’s Cross!!