3x Awards Docs: schwere Artillerie-Abteilung 602 (KVK2X, WIO & Bulg. Tapferkeitsorden)

An original 3 document award group belonging to Jakob (Jacob) Waibel, documenting three wartime decorations awarded during the Second World War.

The group comprises:

1. Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern – Verleihungsurkunde (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords – Award Certificate)

Awarded to Obergefreiter Jacob Waibel, serving with 3./schwere Artillerie-Abteilung 602 (3rd Battery, Heavy Artillery Battalion 602). The certificate is dated 4. September 1941 at K.H.Qu. (Korpshauptquartier / Corps Headquarters).

The document bears the signature of General der Infanterie Gustav von Wietersheim, Commanding General of the XIV. Armeekorps (XIV Army Corps). The identified general’s signature, together with the named recipient and unit designation, adds historical and collector interest to this original award certificate.

2. Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 – Verleihungsurkunde (Eastern Front Medal – Award Certificate)

Awarded to Stabsgefreiter Jakob Waibel, identified on this certificate as serving with Artillerie-Kommandeur 129 (WIO). The document is dated 4. August 1942 and confirms the award of the Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42, commonly known as the Ostmedaille (Eastern Front Medal). It bears an official service stamp and a separate handwritten certification signature.

3. Bulgarisches Soldatenkreuz des Tapferkeitsordens, IV. Klasse – Besitzzeugnis (Bulgarian Soldier’s Cross of the Order of Bravery, 4th Class – Certificate of Possession)

This document confirms that Obergefreiter Waibel, serving with 3. Batterie/schwere Artillerie-Abteilung 602, received the Bulgarian Soldatenkreuz des Tapferkeitsordens, IV. Klasse (Soldier’s Cross of the Order of Bravery, 4th Class) on 13. Juli 1942. The possession certificate was issued on 10. Oktober 1942 at the unit’s location and bears a service seal and the signature of the Major und Abteilungskommandeur (Major and Battalion Commander).

Historical Interest

This group documents the decorations of a German artillery serviceman across the 1941–1942 period. The combination of a German War Merit Cross with Swords, the Eastern Front Medal and a Bulgarian bravery decoration offers several avenues for further research into Waibel’s service, his artillery unit and German-Bulgarian military cooperation.

Condition

The documents show age-related toning, folds and creasing. The provisional certificate has a substantial tear and paper loss. The other certificates show pronounced fold lines, minor spotting and handling wear. Official stamps and signatures remain visible, although some are faded or partly obscured by folds.