Krimkämpfer and German Cross 'Holder' - Otto Bar

[InfanterieSammler]

Here is another 'Krimkämpfer' group I would like to share with you. This is for an NCO who spent his entire career with the 72. ID (Angel please don't kill me) and who was posthumously awarded the German Cross in Gold.

I hope you guys enjoy this one...

John





First, his service papers. A ten year enlistment that, unfortunately, this soldier never completed...

[InfanterieSammler]

For bravery during the French Campaign and signed by Gen.d.Infanterie Mattenklott (RK am 23.11.1941).

[InfanterieSammler]

First actions on the Eastern Front and again this soldier has proven himself.

[InfanterieSammler]

The badge of the Infantryman...Note location, 'auf der Krim'.

[Angel Farré]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! !!

Well after several tubes of prozac and other pills I am relaxed enough to say, I WILL KILL YOU JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know this group, extremely complet and nice in excess, it is good to see that has ended in the hands of a good collector, if you ever decide to sell it drop me a line.

Keep going.

Angel

[InfanterieSammler]

The Wound Badge in Black for his first wound (artillery shot in the thigh).

[InfanterieSammler]

For service on the Eastern Front...and by this time our brave soldier has already died (Gef. 24.6.1942).

[InfanterieSammler]

His award of the German Cross in Gold (posthumously)...

A note, 'First’ issue (i.e. the earliest) DK certificates had ‘Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres’ and would be signed by von Brauchitsch as Feldmarschall, prior to his dismissal by Hitler. The ‘Second’ issue certificates that appeared after, were the same ones but with the Oberbefehlshaber and Feldmarschall lines were blocked out, as Keitel was now the authorizing signatory.

[InfanterieSammler]

His death and award of the German Cross, as reported in the local newspaper...

[InfanterieSammler]

Only a few days later, his status as a 'Krimkämpfer' is confirmed...

[InfanterieSammler]

In a strange sort SNAFU, but still none-the-less sad, Otto was sent the Army Tagesbefehl announcing his award.

Note this order came from the 9. Army now, rather than the 11. Army, as the 72 ID was transferred north (to the 9. Army) sometime in August 1942.

[InfanterieSammler]

One can see Otto's name at the bottom of the page...

[InfanterieSammler]

A 'congratulations' telegram sent to the fallen soldier...

[InfanterieSammler]

A letter to the Bar family from Otto's regimental commander...

‘The name Bar lives on again within the history of the Regiment.’

[InfanterieSammler]

A heroic death!

‘Loyal to his oath of allegiance, Otto Bar died in combat for the freedom of Greater Germany’