A.Hitler iron cross second class???

[TWS]

Maybe the soldier who picked it up done as a joke. Be a pretty funny joke with friends to say “here’s hitlers medal folks!”

That is exactly my guess. Either the soldier who "liberated" it or his kids did it, trying to be funny.

[BlackCat1982]

Notwithstanding the slight off topic banter going on BattleOfTheBulge25 I'd like to attempt to steer your thread back onto an even keel and say that your group of items is great and as said the graffiti on the EKii is probably age related and does not detract (in my eyes anyway) from the value - given that there are millions out there.