Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern Award Doc – Beobachtungs-Abteilung 31, 1944

Original WWII German award certificate for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords), awarded to Stabsgefreiter Karl Hecker of 3./le. Beob. Abt. 31 on 30 January 1944.

The certificate identifies the recipient as Stabsgefreiter Karl Hecker and records his unit as 3./le. Beob. Abt. 31, an abbreviation for the 3rd Battery of leichte Beobachtungs-Abteilung 31 (Light Observation Battalion 31).

The award was issued under the authority of General der Infanterie Friedrich-Wilhelm Wöhler, whose name and rank appear on the document. At the time, Wöhler was identified as Oberbefehlshaber der 8. Armee (Commander-in-Chief of the 8th Army). His printed name and official position make this a particularly interesting document for collectors of German army award certificates and Eastern Front-related militaria.

The Kriegsverdienstkreuz mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross with Swords) recognised meritorious service connected with the war effort involving enemy action. The award date, 30 January 1944, places this document in the middle period of the Second World War, when German forces were engaged in major operations on the Eastern Front.

The certificate features a printed award heading, typewritten recipient and unit details, an official Dienstsiegel (service seal), and the printed name and rank of General der Infanterie Wöhler. A handwritten authentication signature appears in the lower-left area, alongside the designation Oberst u. 1. Adjutant (Colonel and First Adjutant).

Condition

The document shows age-related toning, a prominent horizontal fold across the centre, additional creasing, minor stains and scattered marks. The official seal is partly faded, while the printed text and recipient details remain legible. A handwritten signature is present near the lower-left section. Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact condition.