MADE UP TRIBUTE GROUP FOR A WW2 GERMAN KNIGHTS CROSS WINNER

MADE UP/TRIBUTE GROUP OF; Knights Cross of the Iron Cross Group to Lieutenant Josef Papesch.

Born on 23rd February 1919 in Krawarn/Upper Silesia, Germany (today Kravare in Czech Republic). He was German of Birth. At the age of 19 Josef volunteered to the German Wehrmacht in 1938.

In 1939 he was posted to the Infanterie-Regiment 2/11. Infanterie-Division. He fought in the Poland and French Campaigns. In 1941 he was promoted to Feldwebel (Sergeant) and fought in the Campaign against Russia as leader of the 3rd Radfahrzug Company of the Regiment. During the heavy fighting and retreat against the Russians, Papesch repeatedly distinguished himself and performed numerous acts of bravery.

On the 7th March 1944 it is understood that he personally destroyed three Russian Tanks and was seriously wounded. It was on 7/3/1944 that he was awarded the Knights Cross.

In the autumn of 1944, he was promoted to Leutnant (Lieutenant). During the Battle of Kurland-Kesselhe Papesch became a POW (May 1945) of the British in Schleswig-Holstein until he was released in August 1945. Papesch was wounded on nine different occasions. After the War he lived in Hagen, where he died in March 2005.

Awards:
Knights Cross of the Iron Cross (RITTERKREUZ DES EISERNEN KREUZES). Rank - Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant), Unit - Zugfuhrer 3. / ASSUMED VERY GOOD COPY Marked 935 20 to back of medal. Marked 935 to the ring.

Grenadier-Regiment 2/11. Infanterie-Division, Received on 7th March 1944.

Iron Cross 1st Class (EISERNES KREUZ 1. KLASSE). Original pin back

Iron Cross 2nd Class (EISERNES KREUZ 2. KLASSE). Original

Infantry Assault Badge (in Silver). (INFANTERIE-STURMABZEICHEN). original

Black Wound Badge, Silver Wound Badge, Gold Wound Badge. All original

Grenadier-Regiment 2/11. Infanterie-Division. Shoulder and Uniform cloth badges. Original

Code: 50263