3x Award Document Group – EK2 + ASA + KVK2X – Reiter-Regiment 2 / Panzer-Regiment 24 (KVK2 Earned in Normandy – Signed by “Windhund” Division!)

Original 3-document Wehrmacht award grouping to Wilhelm Grolig, documenting his combat service from the cavalry arm into the Panzertruppe.

The grouping consists of three original award documents:

• Sturmabzeichen awarded on 22 December 1941 to Obergefreiter Wilhelm Grolig of Reiter-Regiment 2, part of the 1. Kavallerie-Division.
• Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse awarded on 26 January 1942 to Unteroffizier Wilhelm Grolig, now serving with Panzer-Regiment 24 / 24. Panzer-Division.
• Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern awarded on 1 September 1944 to Unteroffizier Willi Grolig, serving with 3./ Panzer-Regiment 24. Subordinated to the 116. Panzer-Division “Windhund”!

A particularly interesting grouping showing the direct transformation from cavalry service to armored warfare, as Panzer-Regiment 24 was formed in December 1941 largely from elements of Reiter-Regiment 2 and Reiter-Regiment 21. This makes the grouping historically very attractive, as the documents reflect that transition almost perfectly.

Panzer-Regiment 24 became the sole tank regiment of the 24. Panzer-Division. After formation at Stablack in December 1941, the regiment was deployed to the Eastern Front in 1942 and participated in the German summer offensive toward the Don, Voronezh, Kalach, and ultimately Stalingrad. The regiment suffered catastrophic losses during the Battle of Stalingrad, where it was largely destroyed in the encirclement.

The regiment was later rebuilt in Normandy and France from survivors, convalescents, and replacement personnel. After refitting, it returned to combat and later fought in Italy, Romania, Galicia, Hungary, and East Prussia, remaining engaged until the final months of the war.

The standout document is without question the KVK2 mit Schwertern award document, dated 1 September 1944, awarded during the heavy fighting period following the Normandy battles. This document is signed by the commander of the renowned 116. Panzer-Division “Windhund.”

Especially noteworthy is that the I. Abteilung of Panzer-Regiment 24 was equipped with Panther tanks, making any related documentation highly desirable among collectors of German armored and Panther-related material.

A highly desirable grouping for collectors of Panzer, cavalry, and named Wehrmacht award document groupings, especially those focused on units connected to Stalingrad and later Panther-equipped formations.