Original German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords and Named Award Document - KvKII

Original Items: One-of-a-kind. This is an excellent original Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern (German WWII War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords - KvKII), complete with its original ribbon and named Besittzzeugnis "possession/award" certificate. The document measures approximately 5 1/2” x 7 7/8” (about 14cm x 20cm), and is printed on mid-weight paper with black print and typed in particulars. The bottom has the correct signatures and stamps for the award, and it has been folded in the past. There are also some rolled pieces of tape on the reverse, where it was attached to a black fabric backing at some point.

The document indicates that the KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE MIT SCHWERTERN was awarded to Stabswachtmeister Franz B ö t t c h e r of 10.Le.Fahrkolonne 370, short for 10 Kompanie, Leichte Fahrkolonne 370, or the 10th Company, 370th (Infantry) Light Convoy. Stabswachtmeister (Staff Watch Master) is a senior NCO rank equivalent to a U.S. Army Sergeant Major, used as an equivalent to Stabsfeldwebel in some types of units. The location it was presented is given as Div.-Stabsquartier, short for DivisionStabsquartier (Division Headquarters). It was awarded on 30. Januar 1943. and has a faded issue stamp, which looks to read Kdr. Jnf. Div. 370.

The bottom right has a faded signature from the Generalmajor und Kommandeur der 370.I.D., which research indicates was Generalmajor Fritz Becker, who was was in command during THREE separate time periods: September 15 - December 15, 1942, January 20 - May 1, 1943, and September 7, 1943 - June 1, 1944. Becker would be awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, on April 6, 1943 while the 31st Division Commander. It's very rare to have a period document signed by a Knight's cross recipient. Definitely some nice research potential here!

The medal itself is in excellent condition, with minimal oxidation on the cross, and a very good condition rayon ribbon, threaded through the hanger ring. We checked the hanger ring, but it is unmarked, which is fairly typical for KvKII awards.

A really nice German WWII KvKII with ribbon, complete with a named award document. Ready to research and display!

War Merit Cross 2nd Class (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) without Swords
This was a decoration of NSDAP Germany during the Second World War, which could be awarded to military personnel and civilians alike. By the end of the war it was issued in four degrees, and had a related civil decoration. It was created by Adolf AH in October 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars. The award was graded the same as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service "not in direct connection with combat", and without swords for meritorious service to civilians in "furtherance of the war effort". As with the Iron Cross, Recipients had to have the lower grade of the award before getting the next level.