1941/42 Luftwaffe Paratrooper Commendation for bravery on the Russian Front

**Billg36** · 03-12-2015, 11:21 AM

Hi Guys,

I'm a newbie hoping to get information on an item.
I have what I believe to be a Luftwaffe paratrooper Commendation for the winter campaign of 1941/42 on the Russian Front. Loosely translated reads:
"A hero for Fuhrer, Folk and Realm suffered in Russia
Corporal Helmut Kirsten
in the Company "Winter Storm"

It measures about 8" x 10 1/2". As the picture shows it has terrific coloring with the Luftwaffe symbol in blue, with a yellow paratrooper eagle below that and then the soldier's name actually hand painted in gold. Signed on the bottom by his commander Lieutenant Colonel Walter Koch. (later allegedly killed on Hitler's orders).

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bill

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-12-2015 11:21 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**LizardKing** · 03-12-2015, 01:05 PM

Welcome on the forum!!!! I can't help you with this but others will do soon enough! If your items turn out to be an original then you have a very nice piece of paper there!!!

**harryamb2** · 03-12-2015, 09:24 PM

I have seen these before,this one looks ok to me.

**MAP** · 03-12-2015, 10:20 PM

Paper is tough. I think the guys will need a lot clearer pictures to authenticate. close ups of the edges, back, writing, signature, etc.

welcome to the forum.

Michael

**Billg36** · 03-13-2015, 12:30 AM

Thanks guys so glad you could give me info. I went to an auction where they had some WWII lots from a veteran. The other people were there mostly for jewelry etc. and I swooped in and got the military stuff including this and a luftwaffe proxy wedding helmet.
Anyways, I have included some close-up pics as you said they were needed to properly determine its authenticity. (the flash makes the paper appear white on some pics)

Including the signature, stamp, hand-painted gold name and rank and the rear which is blank.

Don't know how well you will be able to see the pictures but I can tell you that the signature looks like a live one. You can see, for example, in the first stroke up the darkening of the lines as the meet as he comes down. The rank and name are certainly hand painted. Also on the back some of the lettering has left the slightest raised "imprint" almost as if the wording were kinda stamped on.

Thanks for any info. But I have to ask. If genuine this seems like an extraordinary piece considering the graphics, the rarity and the fame (to history buffs anyways) of the signer. What would you think its value to be.

Thanks again,

Bill

**MAP** · 03-13-2015, 02:54 AM

I'm not a "paper" guy so I won't be of much help but from what I can see it looks pretty convincing. I'm sure someone with expertise will be around to give you a thumbs up or down.

Now, ya gotta post that wedding helmet. Those are pretty neat and there are some guys here who love those. Here is a recent thread with comments/feedback from some of the best in this hobby.

Wedding DD Heer helmet unit mark

Good luck!

Michael

**Billg36** · 03-13-2015, 03:04 AM

Here 'ya go.

**MAP** · 03-13-2015, 03:29 AM

A nice one! But put it in the same forum as with the other wedding helmet. Will receive the attention from the Helmet Collectors.

**HPL2008** · 03-13-2015, 10:14 PM

It's not a commendation. The text translates as:

"In the winter defensive fighting of 1941/42,
Obergefreiter
Helmut Kirsten
suffered a hero's death
in Russia
for the Führer, the people and the Reich.

Sturmregiment

[sealed and signed]

Oberstleutnant and Regimental Commander"

The online database of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge (the German War Graves Commission) lists seven men named Helmut Kirsten. The rank and timeframe of death given on the certificate match this man:

Last name: Kirsten
First names: Helmut Paul Wilhelm
Rank: Obergefreiter
Date of birth: 12 Feb. 1918
Place of birth: Triptis
Date of death: 17 Jan. 1942
Place of death: Goroditsche

Goroditsche is also a match as elements of Sturmregiment 1 were indeed operating in that area at the time; so it's a pretty safe bet that this is the man in question.

**Billg36** · 03-14-2015, 12:06 AM

Thanks. It's always nice to know about the soldier. Can you provide a link to the site.
BTW It was interesting learning about Lieutenant Colonel Koch who signed the document and how he criticized Hitler's orders to kill commandos and soon died under mysterious circumstances shortly after the criticism.