Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern Award Doc – Artillerie-Regiment 195 – Generalleutnant Sixt von Arnim (Stalingrad!)

Original WWII German award document (Verleihungsurkunde) for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords), awarded to Unteroffizier Theodor Krämer of 8./ Artillerie-Regiment 195 on 23 September 1941.

The document was issued in the name of the Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht. The award was authenticated by Generalleutnant Sixt von Arnim, whose signature appears at the bottom of the document in his capacity as commander of the 95th Infantry Division (95. Infanterie-Division).

The War Merit Cross with Swords recognized military merit in connection with actions involving enemy forces. This document is an interesting example of a wartime award issued during the early phase of the German-Soviet War in 1941, with a named recipient, identifiable unit designation, dated award and commanding officer’s signature.

Historical Background – Sixt von Arnim

The signing officer, Sixt von Arnim, later became closely associated with one of the most consequential battles of the Second World War. In early June 1942, he assumed command of the 113th Infantry Division (113. Infanterie-Division), which he subsequently led into the Battle of Stalingrad. On 20 January 1943, he was taken prisoner by Soviet forces. During captivity, he became a close confidant of Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus, the German commander at Stalingrad. Von Arnim remained in Soviet captivity and died in the Soviet Union in 1952.

This later chapter in von Arnim’s career adds an interesting historical dimension to the document, which dates from September 1941, before his command at Stalingrad.

Historical Details

Condition

Original period paper document with age-related toning, visible horizontal folding, creases and handling wear. The printed text remains legible, and the recipient’s name, award details, date, unit information and signature are visible. Please examine the photographs carefully for the precise condition.