Deathcard Ritterkreuzträger

[matthias_AC]

Guys,


Italy isn´t really my cup of tea when it comes to collecting (except Cassino), and I am also not chasing deathcards like crazy, but I couldn´t resist buying this unusual deathcard of Oberleutnant der Reserve and Ritterkreuzträger Hubert Strauß as it was priced very reasonably.

26 year old Strauß was Kompanieführer of 9./Grenadier-Regiment 361, 90. Panzergrenadier-Division. He was awarded the Ritterkreuz October 4 1944, about two weeks before he was killed in action. He certainly didn´t get to enjoy his fame for long...

The card is remarkably large, definitely not standard size. I put a standard card next to it so you can see the difference. I also find the text quite interesting:

"At the height of his soldier's glory, our sunny boy crowned his battle-filled life with the heroic death he suffered on the southern front on October 21, 1944.

His life and death was dedicated to and owned by Großdeutschland and the Führer.

The pain hardened in pride remains with us."


Looks like young Hubert and his entire family (quite educated, looking at their professions, teachers and doctors) were convinced National Socialists.


I know there is quite a few Italy collectors and enthusiasts here. Does anyone have more information on the life and death of Hubert Strauß? If so, please post it here!



Best,


Matthias

[HetzersGonnaHtz]

What an excellent item! Ruhe in frieden.

RKT Deathcards don't come up too often, so congrats on this mate.

[panzer1432]

Agreed...fine piece, interesting research story

[mufasa]

I had done a little research on this beautiful sterbebild:

the Ritterkreuz is assigned to Lieutenant Strauss for the contract and the holding of the positions of Montecieco (between Rimini and San Marino) the 20 September 1944, where the e III / 361 (Major Heirich Wiese) was inside the Kampfgruppe Stollbrock which here in a coup, follows the front, and hit here 36 sherman of the Queens Bays (of 54 only 18 go back) I have a note from Major Weise's diary of 90 20 september :
"11.45 am, Attack of a fifteen tank in the 9 company sector . Hit hand to hand a good number of Tanks. It is still not possible to make an exact account. The positions are firmly in our hands"

[matthias_AC]

Thanks for your comments guys, especially for the research! So Leutnant Strauß probably was a tankkiller too.... that's interesting!

[Waffenreich]

Very nice card Matthias. Congrats!

vr

Bob

[mufasa]

Thanks for your comments guys, especially for the research! So Leutnant Strauß probably was a tankkiller too.... that's interesting!

there is an article in the "Meldereiter" "Manner gegen Panzer" which describes the action of the 9/361 in Montecieco (unfortunately I have only a synthesis
in Italian) where it describes the hecatomb of the 32 shermans hit in this battle, by the anti-tank guns, by of the Stug of the 190 PzJag.Abt, and the Panther,who dominated the valley, and the panzergrenadier with their panzerfaust in the holes ahead ....

finally Lt. Strauss falls on October 22th, on the via Emilia, in front of Cesena.

ciao Oriano

[HetzersGonnaHtz]

Excellent that there’s so much information about his RK action, true bravery.

[Saint-Exupéry]

even the deathcards are interesting!
nice, thanks for sharing
thomas