WW2 PANZER GENERAL ROMMEL "DESERT FOX" NORMANDY D-DAY KC DIAMDS. SCARCE DOC.SGND For Sale
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WW2 PANZER GENERAL ROMMEL "DESERT FOX" NORMANDY D-DAY KC DIAMDS. SCARCE DOC.SGND:
$449
Genuine, authentic, original hand signed North African Campaign War award document signed by Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel.
Rommel was a career Army officer, fighting so bravely in WW1, he received Germany's highest award the "Pour le Merite," from the Kaiser.
Immediately before WW2, as a War Academy instructor wrote several military textbooks which caught the attention of the new German Chancellor. During WW2, he was given command of the 7th Infantry, surprising because of his young age, and it was soon known as the "Ghost Division" because of the lighting speed in the Battle of France and Belgium, which left Wehrmacht HQ in Zossen wondering where it was.
In 1941, he was given a hopeless command of a light Division to help bale out the Italians who were having a difficult time fighting the British in North Africa. Because of hismilitary success, and worldwide attention, he was eventually given command of afull Panzer Army. Ill because hopeless insufficient equipment and supplies, General von Arnim was given command and soon the AfrikaArmee had to surrender to the Allies.
In 1944, he was given Wehrmacht Inspector status for the defense of France against a likely Allied Invasion, and fought to have Panzer and infantry divisions in very close beach positions, which the clueless General von Rundstedt could not understand, and Rommel was forced to have the troops many miles away when the Invasion came, and superior Allied airpower made movement during the day impossible. He was active in the plot to overthrow Hitler in July 1944, turned in to the investigating SS and in October was given the choice of a public court trial or suicide by the Wehrmacht under Hitler's direction. He chose to die, and regarded as a fallen hero to the Germans.
Because of his military leadership and bravery, he was awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds, one of only 27 German soldiers to receive this high award during the War, and was made a full 5 star, Generalfeldmarschall.
The one page, one sided, legal sizedocument has the Command of the Panzer Group Africa typed in the upper left corner, and awards the Iron Cross Second Class to a Georg Pankau,Wachtmeister in the Propaganda Afrika section (more research is need to find out how this Propaganda officer was awarded a combat award). Boldly signed in pencil by Rommel November 30, 1941 as General of the Panzer Troops and Commander in Chief of the Panzer Group Africa. Except for file holes in the left margin, in very good condition. I bought this document from well known Rommel-Lebt.Com, historic WW2 German militaria dealer, with the Provenance sale documention of Saco River sale Co., from whom it was purchased. The successful buyer will receive this documentation. Along with modern print of Rommel as shown in the scan.
Because of Rommel's WW2 fame, his autographs are highly prized.
I have been a member of the Manuscript Society since 1956 and am selling part of my collection. See my other offers.
