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1939 Iron Cross 1st Class to Hauptmann Hans Humburg serving with Kampfgeschwader 54. Luftwaffe Honor Gobelt winner on 25. June 1942.
In June 1942, he did not return after a night flight over Malta. With him, three members of the Wehrmacht were also missing. Due to his rank and his upcoming transfer to the headquarters in Berlin, he should not have carried out this mission. The mission already gave rise to speculation at that time. He was also a close friend of Generalmajor Otto Höhne. Humburg was declared dead in 1959.
1939 Iron Cross 1st Class. Three-part construction. Iron core. Original black paint. Period time repaired hinge. With the original case of issue. The case opens and closes correctly.
We also offer the Luftwaffe Honor Goblet of Hptm. Humburg in our 41. Contemporary Auction. Please note item number 2000000523439.
Condition
2/2+
Historical information
NAME
Order of the Iron Cross 1. Class
DATE OF INSTITUTION
1. September 1939 as the second grade of the re-instituted Order of the Iron Cross
AWARD CRITERIA
The Iron Cross was awarded for particular bravery in the face of the enemy and for outstanding merit in troop leadership. The awarding of a higher grade required the previous awarding of the lower grade. Divisional commanders were authorized to award the Iron Cross 1. Class and stocks were kept at divisional level.
MANUFACTURERS
The Iron Cross 1. Class was produced by at least 26 manufacturers, not including variations amongst the individual companies. The crosses can be found either unmarked, with Präsidialkanzlei number (after the end of 1942 / early1943), or with LDO number for private purchase.
AWARD NUMBERS
Accurate numbers are not known but the closest estimation is around 800,000 - 900,000 awarded and most likely double the number produced.
AWARD DOCUMENTS
The division issued the award document in the format A5 in the name of the Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht (after mid-1943 only in the name of the Führer) and was signed by the divisional commander.
WEARING METHOD
The cross was worn on the left breast pocket above any Wound Badge and war badges.
