Stunning interesting grouping of Fallschirmjäger (Paratrooper) Obergefreiter Leopold Wischnewski, who served with 12. Kompanie/ Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1, which fought most famously in Kreta and Monte Cassino, Italy where they also earned their nickname “Green Devils“. In Kreta, the fightings were severe and the regiment suffered very heavy losses and Crete became the last big German parachute assault during the war. Later: “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 for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) for his service (heroic) on May 29, 1941, issued at Iraklion, for fightings at Kreta, which was signed by Oberst u. Regiments-Kommandeur Bruno Bräuer (Knight’s Cross). Bräuer was executed after war on May 20, 1947.
- Award document for the Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Paratrooper Badge) for completing his jump training on March 18, 1941.
- kleaves and Swords)
- Award document for the Erdkampfabzeichen (Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge) for his service on October 1, 1942. Signed by Generalmajor u. Divisionskommandeur Richard Heidrich (Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves and Swords).
- Award document for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for his first wound sustained on February 16, 1943 during the fightings in Russia. Signed by Hauptmann u. Bataillonsführer Karl-Heinz Becker (Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves).
- 1 photograph
