Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords, By C.f. Zimmermann Auction Archive and to Obergefreiter (Corporal) on

and to Obergefreiter (Corporal) on November 1

contact marks and surface wear

near extremely fine with some fraying and minor damage to the spine

Lemke managed to lead his unit into US captivity rather than becoming prisoners of the Russians

Temporary Lieutenant (Acting Captain) W

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords, By C.f. Zimmermann Auction Archive and to Obergefreiter (Corporal) on(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Constructed of zink, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms, with a central wreathed mobile swastika and crossed swords through the centerpiece, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo style pinback meeting a round wire catch, marked with code L 52 for maker C. F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 49. 35 mm (w) x 48. 73 mm (h), weighing 17. 7 grams, in near very fine condition.