Document grouping to Oberstleutnant and Regimentskommandeur Otto Gerhardt Thoma serving with Artillerie-Regiment 22. He died in a plane crash near Belgrade when he flew from Vienna to Athens on 22. October 1942. 

Proposal for the award of the German Cross in Gold. Issued by Infanterie-Regiment 16 on 7. April 1942. Signed by Oberst and Regimentskommandeur Dietrich von Choltitz (Knight's Cross winner). A very detailed report on 4 pages about his combat missions in Russia. It starts on 22. July 1941 and ends on 31.12.1941. The German Cross in gold was awarded to him on 24. May 1942.

Certificate to Order of the Crown of Romania 4th class. Issued on 5. May 1942. 

Thirty-two period time photos of his service. These show mainly a military education with horses. Including a photo of his grave as well as a Knight's Cross winner.

Three very interesting notebooks/diaries. In it, he describes the daily routine, combat missions, battles and military tactics of his unit. A book comes with a bullet hole, maybe it saved his life.

Third Reich passport. Issued on 25.01.1938 with original photo.  

A personal letter from Oberst Dietrich von Choltitz to him. 4 pages. The last page contains a handwritten dedication and was signed by him. Dated 7. April 1942. Please note on the same day, von Choltitz proposed him for the German Cross in gold. As well a letter from the Artillerieschule II to him, with which the certificate to the German Cross in gold was sent.

General der Infanterie Dietrich von Choltitz is known as the "Retter von Paris" Savior of Paris: he was the last German commander of Paris during the city’s occupation. In August 1944 Adolf Hilter ordered to him, to defend the city to the last man and then to burn Paris to the ground. However, von Choltitz disobeyed Hitler's order and spared Paris. A very rare autograph!

II.Artillerie-Regiment 22 campaign list from 30.6.1941 to 31.12.1941.

Furthermore, thirteen period time documents. Including a report of the German Lufthansa about the plane crash of the JU 52 "Johannes Heroldt".

A very interesting document grouping with a lot of room for additional research.

Please note the other items from Oberstleutnant Thoma in our 29th Auction.