Stunning interesting grouping of Fallschirmjäger (Paratrooper) Unteroffizier Ferdinand Diel, who served with 4. Kompanie/ Fallschirmjäger-Pionier-Bataillon 1 of the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division, which fought most famously around / at Monte Cassino, Italy where they also earned their nickname “Green Devils“. “In February 1944, the 1st Parachute Division was pulled out of the line and shifted to the defense of Monte Cassino. This dominant position laid astride the road to Rome, and must be taken by the Allies if they were to advance. The division put up a ferocious defense of the site. On 15 February, the carpet bombing and artillery shelling of the Monte Cassino Abbey resulted in its destruction on the false presumption that it was used by the Germans as an observation post. As it would turn out, the only occupants of the Abbey were monks and refugees escaping the fighting. The battle was finally broken off on 22 March. “No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity” — Field Marshal Alexander.”
The group consist of:
- Award document: Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) for his service (heroic) on January 15, 1943 during the Russian Campaign, signed by Generalleutnant u. Divisionskommandeur Richard Heidrich (Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves and Swords)
- Award document: Erdkampfabzeichen (Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge) for his service on March 22, 1944. Signature stamp of Generalleutnant u. Divisionskommandeur Richard Heidrich (Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves and Swords).
- Award document: Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for his first wound sustained on December 27, 1943 during the fightings in Italy.
- His Fallschirmschützenschein (latest entry on March 1, 1945) (Denazified! Swastika cut out of the eagle)
- 1 studioportrait of him
- Postwar Fallschirmjäger-Association memorabilia.
