Interesting document grouping to "MG Schütze 1" Gefreiter Erwin Blum serving with 3./Grenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland". Blum was killed in action on 29.3.44 serving with Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Großdeutschland".
The grouping contains two original signature of Ernst-Otto Rehmer. He signed the citations to the Infantry Assault Badge and to the Wound Badge. Not only did he win the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves but he was also responsible for putting down the July 20th plot of Stauffenberg in Berlin.
Certainly the best piece of that grouping is the certificate to the Iron Cross 2nd Class. It comes with a text to the reverse explaining why he was awarded the Iron Cross. He was seriously involved in the attacks north of Borissowka in July 1943 and on the "Dnjepr" beginning of October 1943 as a MG shooter. He destroyed several Russian "nests". He was wounded four times. The explanation is signed by his regiment commander, Karl Lorenz (Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, future commander of the division).
The certificate is signed by the division commander Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel.
Certificate to the Infantry Assault Badge in bronze. 2.4.1943 issued. Signed by Major Hans-Otto Rehmer.
Certificate to the Wound Badge in silver. 10.10.1943 issued. Signed by Hauptmann Alois Windeck (German Cross). Certificate to the Wound Badge in black. 18.4.1943 issued. Signed by the battalion commander Major Hans-Otto Rehmer .
The half of the dog tag part of this grouping definitely belonged to Gefreiter Blum. "1./I.E.B. 120 mot. Nr.701" is noted on page one of his Wehrpaß.
The Wehrpaß comes full of entries and with an original attached photograph. All units notes on page 12. All awards noted on page 23. His campaigns and battles are noted on page 32. Page 34 notes 4 injuries and the the date of his death: 28.3.1944.
On page 23, the Iron Cross 2nd Class entry is signed by FJ-Oberfeldwebel Kalinowski (German Cross in gold & Honor Roll Clasp). Kalinowski was promoted to Leutnant and killed in April 1944.
