Original Wartime Signature on a Photo of Günther Hoffmann-Schönborn. Major Günther Hoffmann-Schönborn (01.05.1905 † 04.04.1970) earned the Ritterkreuz on May 14, 1941 and the Eichenlaub on December 31, 1941 as Major und Kommandeur of the Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 191 “Büffel”. Good condition. Measuring: 9,8×6,8cm.
Knight’s Cross: Awarded for his support of Gruppe Ens during the breakthrough of the Metaxas line. Despite the strong enemy defensive fire and the difficult terrain he managed to bring his Sturmgeschütze into a suitable firing position for covering the attack of Gruppe Ens. This support was invaluable for the Gruppe’s success, enabling it to breakthrough the enemy line and help trigger the collapse of the enemy front. (via Traces of War)
Oakleaves: Awarded for the distinguished leadership of his Abteilung during the advance to the Dnieper river, the crossing of the river and in the subsequent encirclement battle of Kiev. (via Traces of War)
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Ludwig Laubmeier. Oberleutnant Ludwig Laubmeier (30.01.1919 † 09.12.2010) earned the Ritterkreuz on October 4, 1944 as Oberleutnant und Kompaniechef of the 1. Batterie/ Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 191. Good condition. Size: 8,2x11,7cm.
Knight’s Cross: “During the fighting in the Crimea in early 1944 the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 191 played a particularly important role as the fire brigade of the V. Armee-Korps. It contributed greatly to the German defense both during the retreat battles through the Ukraine as well as near Sevastopol itself. In this latter capacity the 1. Batterie, under the command of Oberleutnant Laubmeier, played a major role in covering the German evacuation of Crimea beginning on the 09.05.1944, fighting near the fort “Maxim Gorky”.On the 12.05.1944 the Soviets succeeded in achieving a dangerous penetration in this area. Laubmeier hastily gathered up some Grenadiers and the last Sturmgeschütze of his Batterie and with this force launched a counterthrust, which succeeded in preventing an enemy breakthrough from developing. Laubmeier was heavily wounded during this battle and evacuated shortly afterwards.For his accomplishments in this capacity, as well as reaching a personal total of 38 enemy tanks destroyed, Laubmeier would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.”
Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Ludwig Laubmeier. Oberleutnant Ludwig Laubmeier (30.01.1919 † 09.12.2010) earned the Ritterkreuz on October 4, 1944 as Oberleutnant und Kompaniechef of the 1. Batterie/ Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 191. Good condition. Postcardsize.
Knight's Cross: "During the fighting in the Crimea in early 1944 the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 191 played a particularly important role as the fire brigade of the V. Armee-Korps. It contributed greatly to the German defense both during the retreat battles through the Ukraine as well as near Sevastopol itself. In this latter capacity the 1. Batterie, under the command of Oberleutnant Laubmeier, played a major role in covering the German evacuation of Crimea beginning on the 09.05.1944, fighting near the fort “Maxim Gorky”.On the 12.05.1944 the Soviets succeeded in achieving a dangerous penetration in this area. Laubmeier hastily gathered up some Grenadiers and the last Sturmgeschütze of his Batterie and with this force launched a counterthrust, which succeeded in preventing an enemy breakthrough from developing. Laubmeier was heavily wounded during this battle and evacuated shortly afterwards.For his accomplishments in this capacity, as well as reaching a personal total of 38 enemy tanks destroyed, Laubmeier would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross."
