Germany, Third Reich. An Award Document for a Bomber Clasp, Bronze Grade, Signed by Knight’s Cross Recipient Werner Klümper

An award document for a Bomber Clasp in Bronze (Verleihungsurkunde für eine Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Bronze) to Obergefreiter Egon Wagner of the 7. Kampfgeschwader 26 and signed in fountain pen by Knight’s Cross recipient Werner Klümper, awarded on March 18th 1944 and bearing a partially visible Luftwaffe stamp, measuring 148 mm (w) x 209 mm (l), the document has been previously folded in half with age and moisture spots throughout, in very fine condition. 

Footnote: Werner Klümper (April 19th 1911 - October 21st, 1989) was a German Officer of the Reichsmarine, the Condor Legion, and later the Luftwaffe. He was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross and German Cross in Gold, among other awards. He celebrated his first great successes on July 31st, 1937 when he and crew in their He 59 encountered the enemy (republican) troop transporter “Nuria” carrying approximately 400 troops. Since the ship was defenseless in the open ocean, Klümper awarded the captain of the 4,600 tonne ship the opportunity to surrender to Franco’s troops at the port of Melilla, earning him great respect with friend and foe due to his noble character. 

Werner Klümper was awarded the Knight’s Cross on August 18th 1943 for his actions five days prior when he personally sunk an allied 7,000 tonne tanker in an Allied convoy off the coast of North Africa.

Kampfgeschwader 26 aka. “Löwengeschwader” was a German Luftwaffe bomber wing unit during World War II. It participated on all fronts in the European Theatre until the end of the war, operating the Heinkel III, Junker Ju 88 and the Junker Ju188. The unit engaged in strategic bombing, close air support, as well as anti-shipping and aerial interdiction operations. During the time period this award document was issued to Wagner, Kampfgeschwader 26 operated in the Mediterranean, France and Norway (between July 1942 and August 1944).