Paul Feiertag – Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 96

Unteroffizier Paul Feiertag (20 August 1916 – 30 November 1999) was a decorated squad leader in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 30 September 1944 as Unteroffizier und Gruppenführer in the 3. Kompanie / Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 96 of the 96. Infanterie-Division.

Ritterkreuz Citation:

“… During the heavy fighting along the southern sector of the Eastern Front at the start of this year his Kompanie was halted by heavy enemy fire while in an unclear situation. Unteroffizier Feiertag went to try and make contact with the enemy along with a soldier from his squad. In the process he came into the vicinity of an enemy artillery piece and was able to get to within grenade-throwing distance unnoticed. He threw two hand grenades and utilized the ensuing chaos by eliminating the Soviet gun crew with his machine-pistol. He destroyed the gun itself with a hand grenade. The confusion amongst the enemy gave the Kompanie the chance to storm the enemy positions with a loud ‘Hurra’.

In the ensuing village battle Feiertag once again stood at the spearhead of his Kompanie despite having been shot through the hand and forearm, and he remained in this capacity until the day’s objective had been reached. By knocking out the enemy gun with a machine-pistol and hand grenades he secured his Kompanie’s victory thanks to his ruthless devotion and initiative. After his wound had healed Unteroffizier Feiertag returned to his unit in May of this year, and was once again wounded in July.”

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph with original signature.

• Size: Postcard size.

• Signature: Clear postwar autograph of Ritterkreuzträger Paul Feiertag.

• Condition: Good; well-preserved example.

Collector’s Note:

Paul Feiertag’s Knight’s Cross exemplifies the frontline heroism of junior leaders in the German Army. His daring destruction of a Soviet artillery gun under fire, even after being wounded, highlights the kind of individual initiative often recognized with the Ritterkreuz. Signed items of NCO-level Knight’s Cross holders are considerably rarer than those of higher-ranking officers, making this piece a desirable addition for serious collectors of Eastern Front memorabilia.