The medal and document group of Heinz Gruber consists of the following: His book, “So, we bombed Moscow Alone”, his documents for the iron Cross 2nd class 1939, awarded on October 22, 1941, Iron Cross 1st Class 1939, awarded on July 12, 1942, the German Cross in Gold, awarded on July 10, 1944, including the submittal slip. The group also contains the actual German Cross in Gold, worn but in very good condition and by Zimmermann in cupal, a cloth German Cross in Gold on Luftwaffe blue backing without maker in its cellophane bag, Iron Cross 1st Class without maker on screw devise, nice and heavy brass based bronze bomber clasp, a miniature combo for the two Iron Crosses as well as a miniature of the German Cross. The Iron Cross miniature pin is marked L/18. The German Cross miniature pin is marked L/57. All medals are mounted on cardboard stock. The German Cross and the bronze bomber clasp were not removed for further examination as we did not want to destroy the cardboard mounting with Heinz’s handwritten notes. All original and in good condition.

Heinz Gruber conducted 455 flights including 190 combat missions in Heinkel-He 111 and Heinkel-He 177 bomber planes. 177 missions were on the eastern front and his claim to fame was his 20th mission on November 11, 1941. Flying generally in formations of 40 planes, his plane was suddenly alone over Moscow. They flew straight to the center of town as their radio operator fell asleep and missed the order to return to base.

Not only an incredible story, but a medal and document group that came straight out of the family. It was consigned by his daughter to us who is now living in the US.