Came across this in the bunker the other day while sorting through some miscellaneous paper items. A rather striking and unusual document in recognition of the 5th Panzer Division's brutal fighting near Goldap (East Prussia) 9 November 1944. The document is large in size approximately 8 by 10 inches with a very detailed depiction of a Panther Tank (Panzerkampfwagen V) below a large eagle and swastika. There is a also an Iron Cross with crossed swords and oak leaves design as well a rather ornate border. My German is not the best but from what I can determine the document recognizes the heavy fighting of Grenadier Regiment 121 and Panzer Regiment 31 in the Goldap battles. Oberst Werner Neumann in command of Grenadier Regiment 121 is mentioned by name. The document also memorializes the death of Panzer Regiment 31 Oberst Joachim Sander who was killed in action during these battles on 3 November 1944. The bottom of the document bears the facsimile signature of Rolf Lippert commander of the 5th Panzer Division.
Oberst Werner Neumann was a German Cross in Gold and Knights Cross recipient who was later promoted to Generalmajor and commanded the 563 Volkgrenadier Division
Oberst Sander was a German Cross in Gold and Knights Cross recipient and was posthumously awarded the Oak Leaves in February 1945.
Oberst Rudolf "Rolf" Lippert was also a holder of the Knights Cross and was later promoted to Generalmajor. He was killed in action on 1 April 1945 near Bielefeld, Westphalia.
Oberst Werner Neumann was a German Cross in Gold and Knights Cross recipient who was later promoted to Generalmajor and commanded the 563 Volkgrenadier Division
Oberst Sander was a German Cross in Gold and Knights Cross recipient and was posthumously awarded the Oak Leaves in February 1945.
Oberst Rudolf "Rolf" Lippert was also a holder of the Knights Cross and was later promoted to Generalmajor. He was killed in action on 1 April 1945 near Bielefeld, Westphalia.
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