WW2 German Wehrmacht – FELDWEBEL EUGEN ZEHNDER – WARTIME AUTOGRAPH – NICE!

On January 17, 1943, Zehnder’s battalion was holding a dominant rock position in front of Tuapse in the West Caucasus, one which the Soviets had been attacking continuously for two weeks. At this time the battalion was reinforced by a company of Turkish soldiers, who did not speak much German but were nonetheless competent shooters. On this day the MG of a German squad was knocked out. Zehnder grabbed an intact MG and ran to the beleaguered group under intense enemy fire, an action which likely saved the men involved.

Later on, in the afternoon, Zehnder found himself in the leftmost position of his sector with only one other rifleman and a Turk. Below the position, he suddenly spotted a advancing Russian assault group of forty to fifty men. With the Turk giving covering fire, Zehnder and his fellow soldier stormed down the ridge and overran the enemy soldier. This independent and decisive action thus led to a significant success for the entire defensive front in that particular sector, and Zehnder was recognized for it with the award of the Knight’s Cross.

Made of lightweight paper stock, this item is in EXCELLENT condition! Signed on an original Sammelbild from the series, “Unteroffiziere des Heeres mit dem Ritterkreuz”, it features a photographic image of Eugen Zehnder. It is signed in ink at the bottom, but a bit hard to read. Some marks and wear due to the age on the reverse, but nothing that detracts. 100% original, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!