Iron Cross Award Certificate

[serialins0mniac]

I need to know the value of this and if you can tell me if its real or how to tell if its not. I am looking to purchase this from a private party and want to be sure not to overpay because the asking price is not cheap. I am a novice collector so I don't know much and do not own any documents prior to possibly purchasing this one. Also I do not want to miss out as this seems like something valuable if it is indeed to SS Walter Smith. So I need help with what its worth, thank you very much for any help.

This is what I am told is says. Can anyone tell me if this is truely what it reads?
World War II German Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall (General) Albert Kesselring Signed Iron Cross First Class Award to Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the Waffen SS Walter Schmidt.

Original Award Certificate Signed by Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring in May 1941.

[serialins0mniac]

Taking a closer look I was able to make out the Rank and name which is "Gefreiter Walter Schmidt" Since I know that is a private and low rank for the German army would that suggest this was not for the SS Officer Walter Schmidt as seen on wikipedia - Walter Schmidt (SS officer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ? I am sure there were more then just one Walter Schmidt, is there any way to know which one this certificate was for? I mean the seller is claiming it is the Obersturmbannführer Walter Schmidt, is this possible to be early in his military career or do you think a different Walter Schmidt in the German Army in 1941?

[bigmacglenn]

This was awarded to a private in the Luftwaffe, and has no SS connection whatsoever...and the name Walter Schmidt is an extremely common name...
cheers, Glenn

[history-buff1944]

Certainly true on the name. I know and am friends with Walter Schmidt who was a crewman on U 181. I met him in Germany in 2000-when Susanne and I were guests of honor at their 2-day reunion.