Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern Award Doc – Kriegsmarine, Zollinspektor – Admiral Karl Dönitz, 1943

Original German Kriegsmarine award document for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords), awarded to Zollinspektor Friedrich Jungk in Berlin on 13 August 1943.

The certificate bears the printed signature of Großadmiral Karl Dönitz, identified as Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine. Dönitz succeeded Erich Raeder in this position in January 1943 and later became Head of State of Germany following Hitler’s death in 1945.

The War Merit Cross with Swords recognised military merit associated with service under enemy action or in circumstances involving combat-related duties. This example is a Kriegsmarine-issued award document, distinguished by its naval command heading and the rank of the officer responsible for certifying the document.

The certificate includes the recipient’s name in typewritten lettering, the date and place of issue, Dönitz’s handwritten signature above the rank designation Großadmiral, an official service seal, and a further handwritten authentication in the section marked Für die Richtigkeit. The document reference is MPA. III. Nr. 10845/43.

Condition: The document appears well preserved, with a horizontal fold across the centre, light age-related toning, and some fading to the official seal. The signatures and printed text remain clearly visible. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of its condition.

An attractive original WWII naval award document bearing the signature of Karl Dönitz, suitable for collectors of Kriegsmarine history, German military decorations, and signed wartime documents.