Portrait of an unknown Heer’s Panzertruppe sporting on his left sleeve, the Krimschild.

[TrondK]

Portrait of an unknown Heer’s Panzertruppe sporting on his left sleeve, the Krimschild (Crimea Shield). This shield was awarded to all Axis forces who took part in the conquest of the Crimea peninsula in 1942, namely the 11th German Army and the 3rd Romanian Army.
The day Sevastopol fell, July 1st, 1942, General von Manstein, the commander in chief of the 11th Army, received a missive from Hitler’s headquarters. It read as follows:


"To the Commander in Chief of the Crimean Army
Colonel General von Manstein
In grateful appreciation of your exceptionally meritorious services in the victorious battles of the Crimea, culminating in the conquest of the fortress of Sevastopol, I hereby promote you to Field Marshal. By your promotion and the creation of a commemorative shield to be worn by all ranks who took part in the Crimean campaign, I pay tribute before the whole German people to the heroic achievements of the troops fighting under your command.
Adolf Hitler"



This young looking veteran was also awarded the wound badge (seems to be the silver one), an early version of the tank assault badge (also silver) and the Iron Cross 2nd Class.
(Original property of the Jim Haley Collection)
(Colorised by Rui Manuel Candeias)


The Krimschild i borrowed the photo of, is currently for sale at Germanwarbooty.com.