Germany, NSFK. A 1939 Hermann Göring Plaque for a Second Place Victor in a Skills Competition, with Award Document and Case

(Silberne Hermann Göring Plakette für 2. Preis Deutsche Meisterschaft im Geschicklichkeitsflug des NSFK). Constructed of a silvered bronze alloy, the obverse bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, circumscribed by a raised inscription of “NS-FLIEGERKORPS” and engraved dedication of “DEUTSCHE MEISTERSCHAFT IM GESCHICKLICHKEITSFLUG 1939” (“GERMAN FLYING SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIP 1939”), the reverse bearing a maker’s mark of “BM” (possibly indicating manufacture by Gustav Brehmer, Markneukirchen), measuring 8 cm in diameter, accompanied by its award document, named to “O-LTN ECKERLE” indicating issue to a Luftwaffe Oberleutnant (presumably Franz Eckerle), issued in Frankfurt on 30 July 1939 and certified by the signature of NSFK Korpsführer Friedrich Christiansen, measuring 10.5 cm (w) x 9 cm (h), both secreted within an original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux blue leather exterior liner, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and fitted blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 11.5 cm (w) x 11.5 cm (l) x 2.5 cm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the case, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Helmut Weitze on 10 September 2013 when last offered to the collector market. 

Footnote:  Franz Eckerle was born on 24 April 1912 in Baden-Baden, Germany. He joined the Luftwaffe in April 1935 and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled pilot, particularly in aerobatics. Before the outbreak of World War II, he placed fourth in the 1938 German Aeronautical Nationals and second in the 1939 event, flying a Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister. Eckerle began his military flying career with Jagdgeschwader 138 (later redesignated JG 76) based in Vienna, where he gained valuable experience as a squadron leader. 

During the early stages of World War II, Eckerle distinguished himself in combat. He scored his first aerial victory during the Battle of France in May 1940 by shooting down a British Spitfire. Throughout the Battle of Britain, he added three more victories against RAF aircraft. In June 1941, his unit was transferred to the Eastern Front as part of Operation Barbarossa. There, flying with Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54), he rapidly increased his tally, eventually claiming 55 Soviet aircraft, including various bombers and fighters such as the DB‑3, I‑16, SB‑2, and MiG‑1. 

Eckerle’s combat achievements were widely recognized. He received the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939, followed by the 1st Class in August 1940. He was awarded the Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe) in December 1940. His greatest military honor came on 18 September 1941, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross as a Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän of 1./JG 54, after achieving approximately 30 aerial victories. He was later appointed Gruppenkommandeur (Group Commander) of I./JG 54 in January 1942. Posthumously, he received the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross on 12 March 1942, becoming the 82nd recipient of that distinction. 

On 14 February 1942, while flying a Messerschmitt Bf 109 F‑4 near Schlüsselburg during operations around Leningrad, Eckerle was shot down and forced to make an emergency landing behind Soviet lines. Though he reported via radio that he was unharmed, his aircraft caught fire and exploded. He was declared missing in action and is presumed to have been killed. Some Soviet sources claim he was captured and executed, but this remains unconfirmed. 

At the time of his disappearance, Franz Eckerle had achieved 59 confirmed aerial victories—four on the Western Front and 55 on the Eastern Front. He was 29 years old. His leadership and combat skill earned him a lasting place among Germany’s top Luftwaffe aces, and he remains one of the seven Oak Leaves recipients from Jagdgeschwader 54.