Description
You are bidding on a SUPERB and BOXED example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe Award Plaque, presented to Obergefreiter Josef Helmut Pichler!
These awards were an officially recognized Luftwaffe non-portable award and were presented in recognition of extraordinary achievements and performance.
Luftgau XI (Austria) was a district within the Air Ministry, and was responsible for all administrative activities, such as training, administration, maintenance, air defense, signals, recruitment and reserve personnel. The Generalmajor leading the Luftgau-kommando of each Luftgau reported to the Air Ministry.
Part of 7./KG55, Josef Helmut Pichler rose to the rank of Leutnant, but was sadly lost in combat on May 17, 1941 after being shot down by fighters off the southern coast of England. The aircraft he flew was He111 P2, W.Nr. 2801 (G1+GR), which crashed at Stump Barn, The Downs, Sompting, north of Worthing, Sussex. He and the remaining crew, Fw. Berthold Abraham; Ofw. Kurt Seefeld, and Fw. Lorenz Stöger are buried at LOCS, D. Drury & Luft Graves-UK.
Made of a stamped allow with a silver finish, this is a FANTASTIC example! Complete in the ORIGINAL presentation box, the front depicts a Luftwaffe Adler at the top, along with the following inscription:
Obgfr. Josef Pichler
FÜR HERVORRAGENDE LEISTUNG
DER KOMMANDIERENDE GENERAL
UND BEFEHLSHABER IM LUFTGAU XI
(“FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE – THE COMMANDING GENERAL AND COMMANDER OF LUFTGAU XI”)
Some obvious marks and wear, due to the age, but nothing that detracts. Comes complete in the ORIGINAL presentation box, which is also named to him on the front. Pinned on the inside is a first pattern Luftwaffe Lapel Pin, which is quite rare in in its right, featuring 98% original paint and finish. Measures approx. 5″ x 7″ in size. I have shown his grave site in the last image. 100% original, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection, or display!
