EK1 Award Document – Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 74 (2. Panzer-Division), Hummel Battery – Signed by Vollrath Lübbe
Original award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st Class), issued to Unteroffizier Heinrich Nießen of the 3./Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 74, part of the 2. Panzer-Division.
The document is dated 23 January 1944 and bears the signature of Vollrath Lübbe (Knight’s Cross holder), adding further significance.
Particularly noteworthy is that the 3rd Battery was equipped with “Hummel” self-propelled artillery, making this an attractive example connected to armored artillery units.
Condition is as shown, with typical age-related wear.
Biographical details:
Unteroffizier Heinrich Nießen was born on 12 June 1916 in Neuwerk. He was severely wounded by multiple shell splinters (Granatsplitterverletzungen) on 30 October 1943 (approx. 01:30 hours). His Erkennungsmarke (EKM) was -180- 3./A.R. 74. He was previously awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 20 October 1941, followed by the Iron Cross 1st Class on 23 January 1944.
A highly desirable and researchable award document, combining named recipient, combat unit, and armored artillery (Hummel) association.
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Historical Description
The 2. Panzer-Division was one of Germany’s key armored formations, participating in major campaigns across both Western and Eastern fronts. Its artillery component, Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 74, provided essential fire support for armored operations.
By the later stages of the war, some batteries within Panzer artillery regiments were equipped with the Hummel, a 15 cm self-propelled howitzer mounted on a tracked chassis. The Hummel significantly increased the mobility and responsiveness of artillery support, aligning with the fast-paced operational doctrine of German Panzer units.
Award documents for the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse were issued for repeated acts of bravery or leadership in combat and typically signed by divisional or senior commanders. Named examples tied to specific batteries—especially those equipped with notable vehicles like the Hummel—are particularly sought after, as they allow for deeper historical research into both the individual soldier and his unit.
