2x Award Docs & Erkennungsmarke – Unteroffizier – Infanterie-Regiment 16

An interesting three-piece Wehrmacht grouping belonging to Unteroffizier Erich Schillmüller, who served with the 13th Company of Infanterie-Regiment 16, later redesignated Grenadier-Regiment 16. The grouping comprises two original award documents and a matching-style German military identity disc bearing the same company and regimental designation.

The first document awards Schillmüller the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern). Dated 10 February, the year is obscured by the identity disc in the photographs, but the document is signed by Generalmajor Ludwig Wolff, commander of the 22nd Infantry Division. Wolff commanded the division from October 1941 until August 1942, making February 1942 consistent with his tenure.

The second document confirms the award of the Eastern Front Medal (Medaille für die Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42, commonly known as the Ostmedaille) on 27 July 1942. The document bears the signature attributed to Werner Haag, who served as Divisionsadjutant of the 22nd Infantry Division until 31 July 1942 and subsequently commanded Infanterie-Regiment 16 from 1 August 1942.

Completing the grouping is an oval German military identity disc (Erkennungsmarke), stamped “13./J.R.16” and numbered 180. The company and regimental designation corresponds to the unit recorded on the award documents, providing an appealing connection between the documents and the personal equipment of a soldier of the regiment.

Infanterie-Regiment 16 formed part of the 22nd Infantry Division, originally raised in Bremen in 1935. The regiment subsequently became Grenadier-Regiment 16 in 1942.

Condition: Both award documents show age-related toning, foxing, and staining. The War Merit Cross document has two punched holes along its left margin. The identity disc shows surface wear, scratches, and discolouration, with its stamped details remaining legible. Please consult the photographs for a complete assessment.