Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern Award Doc – Sonderführer (O) – Feldeisenbahn-Betriebsamt 4, 1941

Original German award certificate (Verleihungsurkunde) for Sonderführer (O) Robert Otten, awarding the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords), dated 1. August 1941 at the headquarters of the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH) (German Army High Command).

The recipient is identified as serving with Feldeisenbahn-Betriebsamt 4 (Field Railway Operating Office 4), a specialist military railway organisation responsible for railway operations supporting the German Army.

The certificate was issued by the Chef des Wehrmachttransportwesens (Chief of Wehrmacht Transportation), with the wording I. A. (im Auftrag — on behalf of). It bears the original official service seal (Dienstsiegel) of the transport administration and a handwritten signature from an officer identified by the printed text as Oberstleutnant und Abteilungschef (Lieutenant Colonel and Department Head). The signer’s name cannot be confidently established.

Historical Interest

Dated 1941, this is an early-war award document connected to the German military railway and transport administration. The recipient’s designation as Sonderführer (O) and his assignment to Feldeisenbahn-Betriebsamt 4 make it particularly relevant to collectors specialising in military railway operations, logistical units and Wehrmacht award documents.

The official seal and clearly identified recipient and unit provide useful starting points for further research into Robert Otten’s service.

Condition

The certificate shows light age-related toning, a pronounced horizontal fold across the centre, minor creasing and scattered small marks. Two punched holes are present along the left margin. The printed text, handwritten signature and official seal remain clearly visible.